The parliamentary group of "Progressive Bulgaria" proposes radical changes to the Electoral Code

The parliamentary group of "Progressive Bulgaria" has submitted proposals for fundamental changes to the Electoral Code, aimed at modernizing the voting process and increasing trust in the results. The group's leader, Petar Vitinov, announced that the goal is to adopt the legislation by the end of the current session.

The key proposal is the introduction of a fully machine-based vote. According to the new rules, in sections with more than 300 people, voting will be conducted only with electronic machines, while in smaller sections, a combination of paper and machine voting will be used. In case of force majeure circumstances, additional machines and ballots will be provided.

Vitinov justifies the elimination of the special electoral district "Overseas" with the arguments that the process is difficult to implement and hinders voting. It is also proposed to remove the limitation of 20 voting sections in countries outside the EU, which the party considers discriminatory.

To ensure the security of the machines, a dual control of the software is proposed. The Ministry of Interior will share its competence with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, with both institutions participating in the certification of the devices.

Other important changes include strengthening the role of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). It is envisaged to create a public register of trained members of electoral commissions, which will give priority to certified individuals when appointing them. In addition, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter will be included in the definition of media services to prevent the early publication of sociological data.