Iliyana Yotova interviewed candidates for the new CEC: What are their priorities?

Hearing of candidates for members of the CEC

"The most important work you have to do is to restore the trust of Bulgarian citizens in the electoral process," stated Vice President Iliana Iotova.

The head of state held final talks with 15 candidates for members of the CEC, nominated by the political forces in the 52nd National Assembly. The new composition is expected to take office on June 23.

Main proposals of the candidates:

• Digitalization and transparency: Ideas were put forward for upgrading machine voting, creating a public register of voters, and using digitalization to reduce human error.
• Training of the electoral administration: The candidates proposed year-round operation of training units and increasing the professional capacity of polling station commissions.
• Access to elections: Emphasis on facilitating voting for Bulgarians abroad and improving ties with academic circles.
• Control and rules: Topics such as financial transparency of campaigns, the ban on interim polling results, and the potential introduction of a permanent electoral administration staff were discussed.