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Bulgarian Ombudsman requests accessibility checks for upcoming elections
Bulgarian Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has called on the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) to implement uniform rules for checking the accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities. In a letter addressed to CEC Chairperson Georgi Horozov, Delcheva proposed 10 specific measures to be applied during the upcoming presidential runoff this Sunday.
The proposal follows reports from citizens facing difficulties exercising their right to vote. Delcheva noted that a ground-floor location does not guarantee accessibility, as obstacles such as stairs, unsuitable ramps, and narrow entrances can prevent individuals using wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers, as well as elderly voters with limited mobility, from voting.
Key recommendations include: • Requiring district electoral commissions and local authorities to inspect the entire route from streets or parking lots to polling sites. • Installing safe ramps and ensuring accessible parking. • Optimizing the placement of voting machines. • Providing advance information regarding station conditions. • Training commission members to assist voters without violating ballot secrecy or the right to independent choice.
Delcheva included a draft checklist to document identified issues, responsible institutions, and deadlines for resolution. The request is based on the Election Code and a CEC decision from October 14, 2026.
Entities
Bulgaria · Central Electoral Commission · Georgi Horozov · Velislava Delcheva
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The measures are intended for application during the upcoming presidential runoff this Sunday. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] The proposal calls for training commission members to assist voters without violating ballot secrecy. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva proposed 10 measures to the Central Electoral Commission. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Ombudsman recommends that district commissions and local authorities inspect the route from parking or streets to polling places. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] The request cites the Election Code and CEC Decision No. 348-PVR dated October 14, 2026. www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] The proposal includes a draft checklist for inspecting station accessibility. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] Delcheva sent a letter to CEC Chairperson Georgi Horozov. ruse.news · www.iskra.bg · petel.bg