The Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs rejected on second reading proposals for amendments to the Electoral Code. The proposals of “Vazrazhdane” (Revival), concerning restrictions on members of the Central Election Commission (CEC), a change in the majority for decisions by the CEC, as well as the removal of texts related to machine voting, were rejected.
The MPs from the committee are discussing a general bill for amendments to the Electoral Code. The proposal to delete the words “including the results of voting with machines and from voting with paper ballots”, which was supported by the majority, sparked a discussion.
A dispute arose over the introduction of optical scanning devices, with PP-DB expressing doubts about their timely implementation, while ITN believe that this is feasible. GERB-SDS supported the idea of scanning, emphasizing the importance of fair vote counting. BSP-Obedinenna levitsa (Bulgarian Socialist Party - United Left) proposed postponing the changes until 2027.
Vazrazhdane raised questions about the specifications of the new machines. MECH stated that they would not support the changes due to the lack of public support.
The committee meeting continues.