PACE delegation visits Bulgaria to asses election campaign

A delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of Europe (PACE) has visited Sofia to assess the election campaign and preparations for the April 4th parliamentary elections, Strasbourg said on March 12.

PACE reminds that the Assembly has observed all parliamentary and presidential elections in Bulgaria since 1990.

Regarding the legal framework, it is noted that in 2020, Bulgaria adopted amendments to the Electoral Code and machine voting was introduced, together with the voting with paper ballots in the polling stations with more than 300 voters. The introduction of this new technology is welcomed, but it must be accompanied by measures to increase transparency and the involvement of independent experts is needed to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

Given that the elections will be held in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the delegation calls on the authorities to take steps to guarantee the right of citizens to vote freely, in accordance with the international commitments of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The PACE delegation met with the leaders of the parties participating in the elections, with the chairman and members of the Central Election Commission, as well as with the OSCE's limited election observation mission.

PACE will send a 20-member delegation to observe the elections on April 4, 2021, the statement said.