Battle for the Election Code: Machine Voting, Sections Abroad, and the Dispute over the 'Abroad' Multi-member Constituency

The upcoming elections in Bulgaria will be subject to new rules after the parliamentary legal commission adopted a package of proposals to amend the Election Code. The initiative, proposed by the ruling coalition (represented by 'Progressive Bulgaria'), aims to transform how citizens exercise their right to vote, but reveals deep political divisions among the main parliamentary forces.

Machine Voting vs. Mixed Model

One of the central debates concerns the use of voting machines. The ruling parties propose the introduction of entirely machine-based voting in most polling stations. On the other hand, GERB expresses skepticism, arguing based on an analysis that paper ballot voting remains an equivalent method used by half of Bulgarian voters. GERB insists on maintaining the mixed model, while 'Vazrazhdane' claims that machines should be the sole method even in small settlements to prevent potential manipulation.

Voters Abroad and the 'Abroad' Multi-member Constituency

The changes also affect Bulgarians living abroad. It is proposed to remove restrictions on the number of polling stations in countries outside the European Union, a move supported by 'Democratic Bulgaria' and 'We Continue the Change'. Paradoxically, however, the ruling majority proposes the removal of the separate 'Abroad' multi-member constituency.

The political forces 'We Continue the Change' and 'Democratic Bulgaria' have declared their opposition to this decision, defining it as a restriction of the voting rights of Bulgarians abroad. 'We Continue the Change' proposes the creation of an 'Abroad' multi-member constituency with 4 mandates as a technical solution to the problem.

Information Control and Social Media

The new bill also includes measures to limit the release of sociological data before the end of election day. It proposes the introduction of heavy fines for announcing exit polls, and social media platforms and personal blogs could be equated to media outlets regarding responsibility for the dissemination of information.

What does this mean for the voter? If the changes are adopted in their final form, the way you vote (by machine or paper) and the ability to do so more easily abroad will depend on the new structure of the polling stations. The decisions regarding the 'Abroad' multi-member constituency will determine whether the votes of Bulgarians outside the country will have representation in parliament through a separate district or will be distributed in another way.