Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Amendments to Electoral Code pass first reading in parliament

Photo: BGNES

With 98 votes in favor from GERB and the United Patriots, 72 - against, and no abstentions, the parliament has adopted at first reading the draft bill of GERB for changes in the Electoral Code.

The changes provide for machine voting in all sections of the country, except for those with less than 300 voters. In the sections with machine voting, there will be an opportunity to vote with the traditional paper ballot. The bill provides for a ban on the formation of polling stations outside the country in case of suspended activity of the foreign representations. It is possible that in case of complicated epidemic situation the election day could be extended to 48 hours, BGNES reports.

With 23 votes in favor, 130 against and 19 abstentions, the MPs rejected the MRF's proposals to drop the "I do not support anyone" box and to lift the requirement for settlement status in local and European elections.

The changes are yet to be discussed at second reading.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Zhelyazko Radukov

Bulgaria cannot be used as an excuse for the lack of reforms, says Ambassador Radukov in Skopje

In Skopje, I am hearing more and more often concerns that relations with Bulgaria are being used as a convenient excuse for the lack of will or ability to undertake the necessary reforms. I do not want to believe this argument, said Bulgaria’s..

published on 11/19/25 11:52 AM

Report: TikTok's role in the country is growing, including in manipulating public opinion

The role of the social network TikTok in Bulgaria is growing, including its involvement in disseminating manipulative content. This is stated in a report presented at the European Parliament in Brussels, reported BTA. It was prepared by the..

published on 11/19/25 10:41 AM

Sofia University ''St. Kliment Ohridski'' and the Technical University of Sofia included in prestigious global ranking

For the third consecutive year, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” has been included in a prestigious global ranking. In the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026, the university ranks 814th out of 2,002 universities. It ranks..

published on 11/19/25 9:46 AM