President Rossen Plevneliev proposed to the parliament a decision to be taken for a referendum on issues, related to the majority vote for a part of MPs, also to compulsory and online voting. Expert in constitutional law Prof. Dr. Georgi Bliznashki comments the subject for Radio Bulgaria.

“My assessment of the presidential initiative is absolutely positive. Moreover, he wouldn’t obtrude his own point of view, but he proposes a referendum to take place on these matters. The way he has formulated his proposal makes it clear that this referendum is a consultative one. I.e. the details will have to be set later, if the Bulgarian people voices its stance for the majority vote, compulsory and online voting. I believe this is a moderate approach. After all it is what makes our politicians, the strong of the day, think over a bit on what is going on within the society, and whether it shouldn’t be answered to public expectations in a more categorical manner.”

According to Deputy Chair of Parliament Maya Manolova two of the elements of the referendum proposal – on compulsory and online vote, violate the constitution. Can this be overcome?

“Let’s make it clear. The main issue is related to the implementation of the majority principle within Bulgaria’s voting system. I myself have been constantly repeating over the past few months that we have to return to the way we did it back in the early 1990s. We held the polls for the Grand National Assembly then with a mixed voting system – 50:50. Something simply has to be done after 220 days of protests that have been observed with mixed feelings across the entire globe – because the governing parties do not intend to comply with public opinion at all. No matter what you hear, the proposals of Mrs. Maya Manolova within the new Election Code actually fortify the status quo, rather than providing any possibilities for changes. The voice of the civic society must be heard, it’s about time. This can happen via the implementation of a majority element. This is the principle matter. As far as the other two elements are concerned – well, if the referendum turns positive to them, a respective constitutional amendment will have to be made. However, one should bear in mind that the implementation of compulsory voting had a huge impact on the political life in Austria, Belgium and Greece. This means for instance that the “purchases of votes” phenomenon will be limited to the minimum. As far as online voting is concerned, we face a problem here, because the Constitutional Court voiced its concerns some time ago, regarding the safety of the secret of voting. Now, this is a technical issue, there are experts, who should make the proposals necessary. After all, we have to get used to these new trends and processes, since we live in a modern informational society. Sooner or later, online voting will be implemented in Bulgaria as well.”

We heard comments, claiming that compulsory and online voting won’t get over the “purchase of votes”…

“If we go to an active participation, things will fit in their places. The balance will be restored between the influence of the political forces within the society and their real presence at parliament. The picture now is strongly distorted and it allows parties with traditional electorate and retrograde positions to conduct a policy that violates the long-term interests of the nation and the state. So, something needs to be done, in order for the current status quo to be overcome. I don’t think there are Bulgarian citizens that feel contented with the state of our political system. We all see now that the political parties themselves are the main problem.”

English version: Zhivko Stanchev