Any prosecutor who feels pressured in connection with the upcoming SJC election should report it to the competent authorities, the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria (APB) has urged. In an official statement, the organization declares that it will provide institutional support to any colleague who conscientiously upholds the rule of law and the freedom of their choice. Although the association does not plan to campaign against anyone, it emphasizes that it will not remain silent while magistrates are being intimidated.
The reason for these statements is information that has reached the APB regarding pressure being exerted on administrative heads and prosecutors. The association insists that the election process for the Supreme Judicial Council must be built on trust, not fear. According to the position, professional organizations should serve to protect principles, rather than act as a screen for practices that the same individuals criticize in words, or as a means to provide a veneer of independence to someone's election campaign. "Independence is not declared by a name, registration, or declaration. It is proven through conduct," the APB stated firmly.
Allegations of irregular practices include both promises of promotions and leadership positions in exchange for support, as well as threats of removal, disciplinary actions, "compromising material," and media attacks in the event of a refusal. Along with this, there is a deliberate attempt to create the perception that the outcome of the election is "certain" and that retribution against those who disagree will follow. Further concern is raised by suggestions of influence guaranteed through support from political forces, ministers, institutions, and media circles, often backed by the use of third-party names and references to informal meetings.
The election procedure is being conducted in accordance with the amendments to the Judiciary Act, adopted by the National Assembly on June 26. The structure of the SJC includes a Judges Chamber (JC) and a Prosecutors Chamber (PC). Members from the professional quota are put forward through nominations at general meetings of the respective professional groups, after which the candidates are voted on by magistrates by region using paper ballots. The parliamentary quota is elected by the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, equal to 160 votes. The composition of the chambers is distributed as follows:
- Judges Chamber (JC): six members from the professional quota and six from the parliamentary one.
- Prosecutors Chamber (PC): four members elected by prosecutors, one by investigators, and five by the National Assembly.
According to the schedule approved by the Plenum of the SJC, the election process follows a strict sequence:
- October 17 – general meeting of prosecutors, with voting on October 24.
- October 31 – general meeting of judges, with voting on November 7.
- November 14 – general meeting of investigators, with voting on November 21.