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Location: Bulgaria
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to restore public confidence in the electoral process, additional efforts are needed to address the persistent issue of vote-buying/selling and ‘controlled’ voting through strong political commitment and action, voter education and, as required, high-level prosecutions.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to strengthen the role of the CEC as the lead institution responsible for the whole electoral process, as prescribed by the Electoral Code.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introducing temporary special legislative measures to promote women candidates, including gender quotas and placing women in winnable positions. Political parties could consider nominating a minimum number of candidates of each gender.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Further pilots should be undertaken before a decision is made on whether to implement increased and binding usage of NVT. Pilots should be conducted on the basis of clear and comprehensive criteria to evaluate effectiveness and integrity of the NVT system, including the transmission of results. Any subsequent increase in the use of NVT should be contingent on addressing recommendations of evaluations and inclusive public consultation.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Measures should be taken to ensure full transparency of media ownership in order to clearly identify the ultimate media owners. More stringent controls and sanctions should be imposed to ensure that outlets publicly provide the required ownership and funding information in a comprehensive and timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Individuals who identify themselves as belonging to national minorities should be allowed to use their mother tongue in an election campaign in order to promote effective participation in public affairs. Consideration should also be given to providing voters with information and other official election materials in minority languages, which would enhance their understanding of the electoral process.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency and accountability, the law should require that results of audits of the campaign finance reports are made public in a timely manner. Consideration could also be given to requiring electoral contestants to provide interim reports on expenditures prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended by the OSCE/ODIHR, the law should provide candidates with an effective mechanism to appeal election results, both nationwide and at the constituency level. This mechanism should include direct recourse to effective judicial remedies for candidates and other stakeholders.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, constituency boundaries should be reviewed in accordance with OSCE commitments and other international standards in order to uphold the principle of equality of the vote.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Voter education should be enhanced in scope, timeliness and quality. It could focus on new elements of the electoral process, including preference voting and new voting technologies. It could be facilitated by the election administration, as well as political parties, media, and civil society.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC should analyse the cause of the high number of invalid ballots. Possible changes to the design of the ballot that reflect the system of an open list, including featuring the names of the candidates on the ballot itself, should be considered.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
All CEC and DEC decisions, including ‘declined’ ones, should be reasoned, to enable effective legal redress.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to contribute to the transparency, additional efforts should be made to enable observers to follow the tabulation process fully, particularly during data entry. The lack of reconciliation of the data in result protocols with the numbers of ballot papers issued should be addressed.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to undertake a formal feasibility study before the selection and implementation of any NVT, including clear reasons for adoption, evaluation of previous pilots and a cost-benefit analysis. The procurement of NVT should be subject to the established timeframes and rules for public tenders and completed well in advance of elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Testing, certification, and audit requirements should be outlined well ahead of implementing NVT and the results should be made publicly available so as to ensure transparency and public confidence.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As outlined in previous OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, restrictions on voting rights for prisoners should be reviewed to ensure that any limitation is proportionate to the crime committed and clearly outlined in the law.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with international obligations, restrictions on the suffrage rights of persons with mental disabilities should be removed or be decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on specific circumstances.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As recommended previously, consideration could be given to introducing judicial oversight for election day voter registration.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As recommended previously, Bulgarian citizens that hold dual citizenship should not be prevented from standing for office.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The restriction that citizens may sign for only one candidate for each election could be reconsidered. The process would be more open and inclusive if citizens could sign for as many candidates as they choose to support.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The authorities should issue clear and comprehensive guidelines on the use of public and private space for campaign purposes to ensure equal opportunity and sufficient access for all electoral contestants. Any breaches of the campaign rules should be sanctioned.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to prevent potentially arbitrary decisions, consideration should be given to clarify the term ‘good morals’ and specify permissible restrictions in Article 183.4 of the Electoral Code.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Serious efforts should be made by law enforcement agencies to hold accountable those responsible for organizing vote-buying. Citizens should be encouraged to report and provide evidence of any vote-buying or pressure, for example, by providing immunity from prosecution to those reporting vote-buying offences.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework should be reviewed with a view to encouraging public broadcasters to provide editorial coverage of the campaign activities of candidates. Having such information in the news and current affairs programs would help voters in making informed choices.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to provide the public with sufficient information, consideration could be given to expanding the list of the background information required to accompany the results of public opinion polls. Such information could include the sample, the margin of error, the polling period and the methodology applied.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Political parties could consider ways to identify minority representatives, particularly women, through dialogue with local communities. Political parties could promote nominations from national minorities on candidate lists and encourage their participation in party structures.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Women
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The law should establish clear criteria, procedures, and timeframes for registration of citizen observers.
Recommendation # in final report:
27
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Citizen and International Observation
Bulgaria
2014
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Complainants and respondents should be entitled by the law to be heard before election commissions.
Recommendation # in final report:
28
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2021
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, restrictions on voting rights for prisoners and persons with mental disabilities should be reviewed.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The principle of equality of opportunities for all electoral contestants, including independent candidates, should be respected.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Electoral System
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Candidates holding dual citizenship should not be prevented from standing for office.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Voter education could be enhanced in scope and duration and consideration should be given to producing materials other than in the Bulgarian language as necessary.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework should be reviewed to prevent interference with freedom of expression and subjective interpretations by authorities during the campaign.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Campaign
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, to promote effective participation in public affairs, individuals who identify themselves as belonging to national minorities should be allowed to campaign in their mother tongue.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Participation of National Minorities
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To improve election dispute resolution, the Electoral Code could clearly stipulate that election commissions must rule on all complaints, in public session, and provide written, fully reasoned decisions. Election commissions should consider all complaints in the manner prescribed by law and apply the law in a consistent manner; the CEC could establish standard operating procedures for the complaints and appeals process for all levels of election administration.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Decisions on the locations for polling stations abroad should be taken transparently and based on consistent criteria, which may include the number of citizens eligible to vote in a given country or location.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Further measures could be taken to facilitate voting for persons with visual disabilities. The general barrier-free environment for voters with disabilities should be improved.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with previous recommendations, constituency boundaries should be reviewed in accordance with OSCE commitments and international good practice to uphold the principle of equality of the vote.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Electoral System
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Considerations could be given that all protocol decisions are clearly published, with an indication that they are appealable.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, all CEC and DEC decisions, including de facto rejections, should be reasoned to enable effective legal redress.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introducing a reasonable deadline for changes in the composition of PECs to allow sufficient time for training and preparations.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to strengthen the CEC capacity to develop standardized curricula for DEC and PEC trainings and to deliver user-friendly and consistent information.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To allow for preparation and implementation of electronic voting in a timely manner, the legal framework should be amended and the procurement of all necessary equipment and support should be completed well in advance of elections. Provisions and time should also be considered for sufficient testing, certification and verification as well as voter education to ensure integrity and security of the system.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The technical expertise and capacity of the CEC to manage the implementation of new voting technologies should be enhanced. A clear division of responsibilities among the vendor, regulatory agencies and the election administration is required to enhance accountability and effectiveness, with the overall responsibility vested with the electoral authorities.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
If the practice of voter registration on election day remains, consideration could be given to introducing judicial oversight.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introduce a reasonable deadline for checking election materials for any violations, including multiple voting. The timely publication of the result of this verification would increase public confidence and trust in the process.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, the restriction that a voter may support only one candidate could be reconsidered.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Deadlines for candidate registration should be aligned with other stages of the electoral process to ensure equality of campaign opportunities.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introducing a deadline for candidate withdrawal, which could be synchronized with the deadline for the printing of candidate lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, consideration could be given to introducing temporary special legislative measures to promote women candidates. Political parties could consider nominating a balanced number of candidates of either gender.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The relevant specialized state institutions should undertake all necessary measures to combat any manifestation of racism and intolerant rhetoric during the election campaign.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Campaign
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, consistent efforts should be made by law enforcement agencies to hold accountable those involved in vote-buying. Citizens should be encouraged to report and provide evidence of any vote-buying or pressure.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Campaign
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The adjustment of state subsidies could be considered to provide a more level playing field during the campaign. In addition, the funding for paid political advertising provided for non-parliamentary parties and independent candidates could be reviewed to ensure equality of opportunity.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To improve transparency and accountability, the law could be amended to require contestants to report on interim campaign expenditures during election campaign and enable the NAO to crosscheck campaign income and expenditures, publish conclusions and issue any sanctions on financial reports in a timely manner, including in interim reports prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Measures should be taken to ensure the full transparency of media ownership by requiring and enabling the responsible institutions to clearly identify the ultimate owners of media outlets. Information on media ownership and their funding sources should be publicly available.
Recommendation # in final report:
27
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Considerations could be given to establish a verification mechanism for the timely publication of the pricelists and their compliance with the legal requirements.
Recommendation # in final report:
28
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC should take an active approach and react to reported violations by print and online media.
Recommendation # in final report:
29
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To provide sufficient details of an opinion poll to the public, consideration could be given to expand the legally required accompanying information, such as sample, margin of error, polling period and methodology applied.
Recommendation # in final report:
30
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to review the legal framework to encourage public media to provide objective editorial coverage of the campaign as such information would assist voters to make a more informed choice.
Recommendation # in final report:
31
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To assist the regulatory body and civil society to identify paid political advertisements and conduct comprehensive monitoring of campaign expenditure on media expenses, media could provide detailed information on contracts with electoral contestants, including scheduled detailing time and duration (for broadcast media) or the publication date and publishing position (for print media) of all paid campaign advertisements.
Recommendation # in final report:
32
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The CEC should reconsider its restrictive interpretation and inconsistent implementation of the rules for the accreditation of citizen observers. The law should be reviewed to establish clear criteria, procedures, and timeframe for registration of citizen observers, including by allowing sufficient time to the CEC to process the applications.
Recommendation # in final report:
33
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Citizen and International Observation
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, the law should provide contestants with an effective mechanism to appeal election results, both at the national and constituency levels.
Recommendation # in final report:
34
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to review the law to guarantee a complainant’s and respondent’s right to be informed about the time of consideration, to be heard before an election commission and to receive a copy of the decision, including ‘protocol decisions’.
Recommendation # in final report:
35
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To guarantee an effective and timely redress of election violations, the legal framework should clearly envisage and guarantee that all complaints are reviewed and decisions made public by election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
36
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to remove the procedure for the PEC to handle the ballot after it was issued to the voter to eliminate the potential for infringement on the secrecy of the vote.
Recommendation # in final report:
37
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to change the format and design of a ballot paper so that it includes the names of the candidates for the single preference vote.
Recommendation # in final report:
38
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, to contribute to transparency, additional efforts should be made to enable observers to follow the tabulation process full.
Recommendation # in final report:
39
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2017
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
As previously recommended, the CEC should analyse and address the cause of the high number of invalid ballots.
Recommendation # in final report:
40
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2022
Final report heading:
Announcement of Results and Post-Election Day Developments
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework, the legislation should be reviewed to bring it further in line with OSCE commitments, international standards and good practices, well in advance of the next election period and within an inclusive and transparent consultation process.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a level playing field, consideration could be given to prohibiting major government announcements linked to or aimed at creating a favourable perception towards a given party or candidate during campaign periods.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Bulgarian citizens that hold dual citizenship should not be prevented from standing for office.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency of campaign finance, consideration could be given to disclosing the sources of donations to the party funds as well as campaign expenditures prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The impartiality of the public broadcasters should be strengthened by providing funding, based on a clear and objective criteria.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The electoral dispute resolution framework should be reviewed to broaden legal standing to ensure that voters whose rights are violated are entitled to lodge a complaint to seek legal remedy. The law should be amended to allow for directly challenging election results.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The constituency delimitation process should guarantee the equality of the vote, be based on clear and objective criteria and conducted in line with international standards and good practice.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure stability and comprehensive training of the Precinct Election Commissions, the tenure of their members could be better protected against arbitrary replacement by their nominating parties in a reasonably long period prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To guarantee efficiency of the machine voting process, the role of election administration in overseeing its implementation, including verifying the reliability of the relevant software and the accuracy of all components, could be strengthened.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure the accountability of voting with direct recording equipment, the law should provide clear rules and deadlines to carry out a count of the machine voting control receipts in a statistically significant number of randomly selected polling stations.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To avoid the possibility of multiple registration, consideration could be given to removing the possibility for voters to register on election day. There should be an administrative procedure, subject to judicial control, allowing for the registration of a voter who was not registered.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Deadlines for party and candidate registration could be adjusted to provide all contestants equal opportunities to rectify their applications and prevent overlapping with the election campaign period.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To fully guarantee freedom of expression, legal provisions prohibiting campaign materials that harm public decency, the honour and reputation of the candidates should be reviewed.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Additional incentives could be considered for providing more favourable conditions for candidates of both genders to stand for elections. Political parties could consider ways to further increase gender balance and place women in electable positions on the candidate lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with the international standards and good practice, consideration could be given to introducing reasonable limitations on the permissible amount of donations and effective safeguards against circumvention of prohibitions on the sources of donation.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure effective oversight of campaign finances, National Audit Office mandate and resources should be strengthened to effectively monitor, investigate campaign finance irregularities, identify unreported income and expenditure and impose dissuasive sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance freedom of expression, defamation and libel should be decriminalized.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enable effective media oversight, the regulatory body for broadcast media could be vested with sanctioning powers, with a judicial review of its decisions.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
No longer valid
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To promote effective political participation and representation of the individuals belonging to minorities, consideration should be given to introducing legislative measures providing voter information and other election material in minority languages which would improve the understanding of the electoral process.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure effective and timely legal remedy by an independent and impartial tribunal, consideration could be given to extending the jurisdiction of the courts in resolving election-related disputes in an expedited manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency of the process, the Central Election Commission should ensure unrestricted access of observers to all aspects of the electoral process, including the data entry at the District Election Commissions and Central Election Commission.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election day
Bulgaria
2021
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure respect for the will of voters candidates who obtain the necessary number of votes required by law should be duly installed in office and withdrawal of elected candidates from their mandate after elections should be reviewed
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Post-election Day Developments
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework, the legislation should be reviewed to bring it further in line with the OSCE commitments, international standards and good practices. This should be done well in advance of the next election period as a result of an inclusive and transparent consultation process.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure a consistent application of election procedures, a comprehensive and standardized training should be provided for all PEC members, including on recently adopted measures, such as the use of new voting technologies. To enhance stability of the election administration, the tenure of the PEC members could be better protected against arbitrary replacement during a reasonable time prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure the accountability of electronic voting, the law should provide clear rules and deadlines to carry out a count of the control receipts produced by voting machines in a statistically significant number of randomly selected polling stations, before the final election results are established.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Bulgarian citizens that hold dual citizenship should not be prevented from standing for office.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency of campaign finance, consideration could be given to disclosing the sources of donations to the party funds and campaign expenditures prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The impartiality of the public broadcasters should be strengthened by providing funding, based on a clear and objective criteria.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The electoral dispute resolution framework should be reviewed to broaden legal standing to ensure that citizens whose electoral rights are violated are entitled to lodge a complaint. All election stakeholders should have a possibility to directly challenge election results at all levels.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The constituency delineation process should guarantee the equality of the vote, be based on clear and objective criteria prescribed by the law and conducted in line with international standards and good practice.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure the stability and professionalism of the election administration, the Central Election Commission should be granted sufficient administrative and technical capacity.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To further increase its transparency and accountability, the Central Election Commission should publish its session minutes and protocol decisions in a timely manner. The practice of muting the broadcast of the Central Election Commission sessions should be limited to specific circumstances based on justified reasons.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To allow for independent evaluation of the electronic voting system, the election authorities should publish detailed technical documentation or make it accessible for inspection to observers and independent auditors.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The loss of voting rights for prisoners should be proportionate to the crime committed. Restrictions of voting rights for persons with mental disabilities should be removed.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To guarantee universal suffrage, the state authorities should implement a strategy for scaling the issue of citizens without a permanent address and conducting a nationwide campaign to issue identification documents to voters belonging to vulnerable groups.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In line with the international good practice, the possibility to register at the polling station on election day could be reconsidered.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Deadlines for party and candidate registration could be adjusted to provide all contestants a clear framework and equal opportunities to rectify their applications.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
While freedom of expression should be respected, the law enforcement agencies and responsible state institutions should review potential cases of discrimination and intolerant rhetoric during election campaigns and, where appropriate, apply sanctions in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure effective oversight of campaign finances, the National Audit Office should have the mandate and be equipped with sufficient financial and human resources to pro-actively monitor campaign finance activities of electoral contestants, identify unreported income and expenditure and impose dissuasive sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to stimulate the development of media pluralism and diversity, measures to limit media concentration should be considered, including by enforcing existing legislation against media monopolies and dominant market positions.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The law-enforcement authorities should ensure that cases on intimidation and harassment of the journalists are swiftly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance freedom of expression defamation and libel should be fully decriminalized.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to fulfil their mandate as public service providers, the law should require the public broadcasters to actively cover the election processes and the campaign in a fair, balanced and impartial manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
In order to provide for an effective system of remedy, the Council for Electronic Media could be vested with the authority to review media related complaints and to respond to the violations identified through internal media monitoring either by imposing fines, that could be appealable to the court or bringing the violations to the court.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Citizens belonging to minorities should be allowed to use their mother tongue during the election campaign and promote its use in civil and political affairs. Consideration should also be given to providing voters with information and other election material in minority languages.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Central Election Commission and other relevant authorities should conduct longer-term election-awareness campaigns among Roma communities in order to encourage their meaningful and inclusive political participation. Political parties could consider adopting internal policies for promotion of minority representatives within party leadership and as candidates and include the minority interests in their campaign programmes and activities.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
LEOM
Parliamentary
elections
Authorities should undertake measures to facilitate the participation of voters with physical disabilities by ensuring that the premises and layout of polling stations are suitable for independent access. Accessibility features in voting machines for voters with visual and hearing impairments should be made available.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election day
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure a coherent and stable electoral framework, the legislation should be reviewed to bring it further in line with OSCE commitments, international standards and good practices. This should be done well in advance of the next election period as a result of an inclusive and transparent consultation process.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure the accountability of electronic voting, the law should provide clear rules and deadlines to carry out a count of the control slips produced by the voting machines in a statistically significant sample of randomly selected polling stations, before the final election results are established.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To guarantee universal suffrage, the authorities should implement a strategy for reducing the number of citizens without a permanent address and conducting a nationwide campaign to issue identification documents to voters belonging to vulnerable groups.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Citizens with dual citizenship should not be prevented from standing for office. In line with international standards and good practice, the residency requirement for presidential candidates should be removed.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
In order to avoid discriminatory practices and to ensure the presumption of innocence, the Ministry of Interior should publicize the criteria, the methodology and the grounds on which warning protocols are issued. A copy of the issued warning protocol should be provided to the signatories.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral Campaign
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To protect editorial independence and professional standards, the public broadcasters should abandon the practice of directly engaging journalists in preparing paid campaign material such as paid interviews or paid campaign reports.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
The electoral dispute resolution framework should be reviewed to broaden legal standing to ensure that voters whose rights are violated are entitled to lodge a complaint. In line with international standards, the law should be amended to allow for directly challenging election results at all levels.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Consideration could be given to expanding the period between the first and the potential second round of presidential election to allow sufficient time for electoral preparations for all stakeholders and to provide a possibility for timely and effective remedy in case of complaints.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
The constituency delineation process should guarantee the equality of the vote, be based on clear and objective criteria prescribed by the law and be conducted in line with international standards and good practice.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Electoral System and Legal Framework
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To further increase its transparency and accountability, the Central Election Commission should publish its session minutes and protocol decisions in a timely manner. The practice of muting the broadcast of its sessions should be limited to specific circumstances based on justified reasons.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure the stability and professionalism of the election administration, the Central Election Commission should be granted sufficient administrative and technical capacity.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure a consistent application of election procedures, comprehensive and standardized training should be provided for all PEC members, including on recently adopted measures, such as the use of new voting technologies. To enhance stability of the election administration, the tenure of the PEC members could be better protected against arbitrary replacement during a reasonable period of time prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To allow for independent evaluation of the electronic voting system, the authorities should publish detailed technical documentation or make it accessible for inspection to observers and independent auditors. The source code of the software running on the machines should be made available for public scrutiny.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Mostly
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Disenfranchisement of prisoners should be proportionate to the crime committed. Restrictions of voting rights for persons with mental disabilities should be removed.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
In line with the international good practice, the possibility to register at the polling station on election day could be reconsidered.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To avoid legal uncertainty in establishing results of the presidential election, the law should clearly stipulate the manner of calculating the voter turnout. The law should also specify which voters are eligible to vote in a potential run-off.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Additional incentives should be considered to enhance electoral participation and conditions for women standing as candidates. Parties could introduce internal mechanisms for increasing the number of women candidates and placing women in higher positions on candidate lists.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
In line with international good practice, consideration could be given to require the contestants to report their expenditures and the amount of parties’ contributions to the campaign prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure effective oversight of campaign finances, the National Audit Office should have the mandate and be equipped with sufficient financial and human resources to pro-actively monitor campaign finances of electoral contestants, identify unreported income and expenditures and impose timely dissuasive and effective sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To enhance pluralism in the private media, the law should be amended to require transparent and non-discriminatory allocation of state advertising and subsidies, based on clear and objective criteria and administered by an independent body.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To foster the independence of the public service media and media regulator, a sustainable funding model with adequate resources to meet their public service remit should be considered.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To ensure high quality journalism and independent reporting, consideration could be given to limiting the principle of strict airtime equality only to free airtime and enabling the public service media to exercise editorial freedom in its news and current affairs programmes.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Citizens belonging to minorities should be allowed to use their mother tongue during the election campaign and promote its use in civil and political affairs. Consideration should also be given by the Central Election Commission and candidates to providing voters with information and other election material in minority languages.
Recommendation # in final report:
23
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
The relevant authorities should consider conducting longer-term election-awareness campaigns among Roma communities to encourage meaningful and inclusive political participation. Political parties could consider adopting internal policies for promotion of minority representatives within the party leadership and as candidates and include issues of minority interests in their campaign programmes and activities.
Recommendation # in final report:
24
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
To guarantee effective redress, penalties on those who violate election legislation should be imposed in a timely manner.
Recommendation # in final report:
25
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2021
Early election
EAM
Presidential
and Parliamentary
Authorities should undertake measures to facilitate the participation of voters with physical disabilities by ensuring that the premises and layout of polling stations are suitable for independent access. Accessibility features in voting machines and election material for voters with visual and hearing impairments should be made available.
Recommendation # in final report:
26
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election day
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Election Code should be reviewed to remove inconsistencies and address the shortcomings identified in this and previous ODIHR reports. Amendments to electoral legislation should be developed through an inclusive and consultative process well in advance of the next elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To fulfil its mandate and ensure independence and efficiency, the Central Election Commission should be provided with the requisite resources corresponding to its legal and operational responsibilities.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to creating a centralized voter register in order to facilitate cross-checks of voter lists against multiple or erroneous entries, control modifications made in the voter lists, safeguard against multiple voting, and provide for permanent registration of voters abroad.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote buying should be examined promptly and effectively, and perpetrators be held accountable. Relevant authorities should educate voters on their rights and safeguards in place, and adopt measures to encourage reporting and providing evidence of any pressure, inducements, or other unlawful interference.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to introducing temporary special measures to promote women’s representation. These could include legislative requirements to place women in electable positions, gender-based assessments, training and capacity building programmes, and incentives for media and political parties to promote and increase gender balance.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Defamation and insult should be decriminalized, in favour of administrative or civil litigation. Consideration should be given to capping of damages sought in civil cases, to the introduction of reasonable timeframes, as well as the adoption of measures against misuse of interim measures, with the aim to safeguard freedom of expression.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework should be reviewed to broaden legal standing in order to ensure that voters and other stakeholders whose rights are violated are entitled to lodge a complaint. In line with international standards, the law should be amended to allow for direct appeals against election results.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Complaints and Appeals
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The constituency delineation process should be undertaken well before the next election, be based on clear and objective criteria prescribed by law, and uphold equal suffrage in the distribution of seats among the constituencies.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Fully
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance stability and performance of the election administration, replacement of precinct election commission members should not be permitted after a reasonable deadline prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure consistent application of election procedures, the CEC should arrange timely, comprehensive and standardized training for all DEC and PEC members.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Relevant state and local authorities should undertake further measures to ensure independent access of persons with various disabilities to the entire election process.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To further strengthen confidence in the use of election technologies, an independent verification of the voting and the results management systems should be considered. The authorities should document all modifications and tests performed in conformity with the established rules and procedures, and make all relevant information publicly available.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Restrictions on voting rights on the basis of intellectual or psychosocial disability, as well as blanket disenfranchisement of prisoners should be removed.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration should be given to adjusting the deadlines for the submission of registration documents, their verification, and the registration of parties and coalitions, to allow contestants to rectify minor deficiencies.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To uphold a level playing field and equality of opportunities, the legal and institutional framework should address the conduct of public officials during the campaign.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The relevant authorities should support election-awareness campaigns among Roma communities to encourage meaningful and inclusive political participation. Political parties should consider adopting internal policies for the promotion of minority representatives within the party leadership and as candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to introducing comprehensive reporting requirements prior to election day. In order to ensure that all expenses are accounted for, advertising on online platforms should be subject to disclosure and reporting rules.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The financing model of public broadcasters should be revamped, with the aim to ensure their financial independence and sustainability by establishing clear, measurable criteria that take into account, among others, inflation and modernization costs.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Election commissions should ensure that the polling station layout, and the positioning of voting machines ensures secrecy of the vote.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance transparency in the results tabulation process, the CEC should publish full preliminary and final results, disaggregated by polling station, in a form that enables easy and prompt access.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure consistency and transparency in the results tabulation process, clear procedures for rectifying errors and discrepancies in result protocols should be established, including criteria for the recounts of paper ballots. Consideration should be given to reviewing the election-day procedures to ensure their effective and consistent application.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2022
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Withdrawal of elected members of the National Assembly prior to taking office should be clearly regulated by law.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Electoral System
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2023
Final report heading:
Post-Election Developments
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Any substantial amendments to electoral legislation should be adopted through an inclusive and consultative process, well in advance of the next elections.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Legal Framework and Electoral System
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Any introduction or change to election technologies should allow sufficient time for piloting, auditing, and certification of equipment and its functioning. The supporting documentation should be publicly available and election observers should have access to all aspects of introduction and use of the election technology.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Special temporary measures should be introduced to promote women’s representation in elected office. These could include legislative requirements to place women in electable positions, gender-based assessments, training and capacity building programmes, and incentives for media and political parties to promote and increase gender equality.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote buying should be examined promptly and effectively, and those responsible should be held accountable. Relevant authorities should educate voters on their rights and safeguards in place, and adopt measures to encourage reporting and providing evidence of any pressure, inducements, or other unlawful interference.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure effective campaign finance oversight, the National Audit Office mandate and resources should be expanded to include monitoring of campaign finance and enquiry into potential breaches, such as unreported income and expenditure. Where this results in the identification of violations, effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions should be imposed for any violations.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To uphold the freedom of expression, legislative measures should be taken to protect journalists and media workers from abusive court proceedings on defamation grounds, including early dismissal of manifestly unfounded lawsuits, the award of legal costs, compensation of damages, and proportionate and dissuasive penalties on the party who initiated abusive court proceedings.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Procedures for establishing and reporting voting results should be improved to eliminate inaccuracies in the results protocols. The counting procedures and the training of election commissioners could incorporate the use of appropriate assistive tools, including electronic results protocol.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Partially
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To fulfil its mandate and ensure independence and efficiency, the CEC should be provided with the resources corresponding to its legal responsibilities, which should be aligned with its supervisory role over the electoral process.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance stability and performance of the election administration, replacement of precinct election commission members should not be permitted after a reasonable deadline prior to election day. Creation of a register of experienced poll workers should be considered to replace those resigning after the deadline.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Relevant state and local authorities should, in co-ordination with civil society organizations, undertake further measures to ensure independent access of persons with disabilities to the entire election process.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure consistent training on election procedures, the CEC should develop standard methodology for the preparation, delivery and assessment of election commissioners training.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Considerations could be given to conducting independent verification and certification of information and communication technology based (ICT) systems to ensure confidence in the process.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
New Voting Technologies
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Restrictions on voting rights on the basis of intellectual or psychosocial disability, as well as blanket disfranchisement of prisoners should be removed.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
Relevant authorities should consider auditing the voter registration system with a view to eliminating any erroneous and duplicate entries and adopting suitable legal provisions for citizens residing in illegal addresses and voters abroad.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Voter Registration
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Voter Registration
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To uphold a level playing field and equality of opportunities, the legal framework should cover the conduct of all public officials during the campaign, and contain provisions safeguarding against the abuse of state resources that amount to intimidation of voters. Timely and effective sanctions should be duly imposed.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To foster editorial freedom of public service media, consideration could be given to revising the strict equal participation rule or limiting its application to special election broadcasts only, granting public service media greater editorial independence in covering the election campaign in regular news and information programmes.
Recommendation # in final report:
16
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To protect the journalistic profession, to foster its watchdog role and to avoid confusion between journalism and political advertising, the public service media should consider avoiding the use of journalists in paid campaign material for electoral contestants, such as paid interviews and paid campaign reports.
Recommendation # in final report:
17
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The relevant authorities, in co-operation with Roma organizations, should support election awareness campaigns among Roma communities to encourage meaningful and inclusive political participation. Legislative incentives for internal party measures should be adopted, promoting minority participation within party leadership and as candidates.
Recommendation # in final report:
18
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Participation of Minorities
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The law should be amended to allow direct challenges against election results.
Recommendation # in final report:
19
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Electoral Dispute Resolution
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework should include effective mechanisms and remedies for ensuring compliance with the election law, such as clear sanctions for specific electoral offences and the enforcement of sanctions within appropriately expedited timeframes.
Recommendation # in final report:
20
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Electoral Dispute Resolution
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
The Central Election Commission and the government should develop and provide the local authorities and election commissions uniform instructions and, as necessary, resources to ensure that the voting screens, the positioning of voting machines, the design of ballot boxes, and other elements of polling station set-up ensure ballot secrecy.
Recommendation # in final report:
21
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Election Day
Bulgaria
2023
Early election
EOM
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure consistency and transparency in the results tabulation process, clear procedures for correcting errors and discrepancies in the voting results protocols, including criteria for recounting ballot papers, should be established.
Recommendation # in final report:
22
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not implemented
Year of assessment:
2024
Final report heading:
Post-Election Developments
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To increase its transparency and accountability, the Central Election Commission should ensure that it provides election stakeholders with meaningful access to all aspects of the electoral process, including advance publication of session materials, uninterrupted broadcast of its sessions and working group meetings, and access to its premises.
Recommendation # in final report:
1
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Citizen and International Observation
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance the implementation of its mandate the Central Election Commission should comprehensively employ its regulatory functions and improve its efforts in the field of voter education and training.
Recommendation # in final report:
2
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Allegations of vote-buying should be addressed promptly and effectively, with those responsible held accountable. Authorities should consider implementing a large-scale civic education programme targeting vulnerable communities in close co-operation with relevant civil society organizations, including those representing minority communities.
Recommendation # in final report:
3
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Campaign
Secondary thematic area:
Participation of National Minorities
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Legislative measures should be taken to protect journalists and media workers from abusive court proceedings on defamation grounds, including early dismissal of manifestly unfounded lawsuits, the award of legal costs, compensation of damages, and proportionate and dissuasive penalties imposed on the party that initiated abusive court proceedings.
Recommendation # in final report:
4
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
The legal framework should be reviewed to allow for individual challenge of the election results in line with international standards.
Recommendation # in final report:
5
Type of recommendation:
Priority
Thematic area:
Election Dispute Resolution (EDR)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Dispute Resolution
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
The replacement of election commission members without justification or after a reasonable deadline prior to election day should not be permitted. As with District Election Commission members, Precinct Election Commission member nominations should require the consent of the nominees. The Central Election Commission could consider creating a roster of trained and experienced election administrators to facilitate replacements.
Recommendation # in final report:
6
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Election Administration
Secondary thematic area:
Election Day
Type of change required:
Sub-legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Consideration could be given to conducting independent verification and certification of information and communication technology-based systems to ensure confidence in the process.
Recommendation # in final report:
7
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Secondary thematic area:
Election Administration
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Administration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Candidacy restrictions based on residency, criminal conviction, or intellectual or psycho-social disabilities should be reviewed in line with OSCE commitments, international standards and good practice.
Recommendation # in final report:
8
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Measures to encourage the inclusion of women as candidates, such as a system linking public funding of parties to concrete inclusivity measures, could be considered. Political parties should consider internal steps such as conducting a gender audit, with an aim to review current intra-party practices that curb equitable representation of women within party structures.
Recommendation # in final report:
9
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Candidate Registration
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Candidate Registration
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance women’s participation in political life, institutions, political parties and other stakeholders should increase efforts to address existing gender stereotypes and reduce the gender gap both through regulatory measures and advocacy.
Recommendation # in final report:
10
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Women
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To strengthen the electoral participation of persons with disabilities, political parties should provide their programmes, campaign messages and materials in formats appropriate, accessible and easy to understand by persons with various types of disabilities. Legal requirement or financial incentives could be introduced to encourage accessible campaign content.
Recommendation # in final report:
11
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Participation of Persons with Disabilities
Secondary thematic area:
Campaign
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Election Campaign
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To enhance the transparency of campaign finance, consideration could be given to requiring disclosure and reporting of campaign expenditure prior to election day.
Recommendation # in final report:
12
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To ensure effective campaign finance oversight, the mandate of the National Audit Office should be expanded to include the power to proactively monitor and disclose potential unreported donations and expenditures, and to impose and publish sanctions.
Recommendation # in final report:
13
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Campaign Finance
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Campaign Finance
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
Authorities should consider implementing measures to limit media concentration, in order to stimulate the development of media pluralism and diversity, including by enforcing existing legislation against media monopolies and dominant market position.
Recommendation # in final report:
14
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Type of change required:
Practice
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media
Bulgaria
2024
Early election
EET
Parliamentary
elections
To foster the editorial freedom of public service media, consideration could be given to revising the strict equal participation rule or limiting its application to special election broadcasts only, granting public service media greater editorial independence in covering the election campaign in regular news and information programmes.
Recommendation # in final report:
15
Type of recommendation:
Other
Thematic area:
Media
Secondary thematic area:
Legal Framework
Type of change required:
Legal
Status of implementation:
Not evaluated
Final report heading:
Media