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Bulgaria election reforms and election date set

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-31 09:36 UTC → 2026-07-31 10:06 UTC · added removed

Bulgaria election code reforms and election date set

The Bulgarian Parliament continues to overhaul has continued its overhaul of the Election Code ahead of the 2026 presidential race. On 28 July 2026 the Parliamentary The Legal Committee approved a Committee’s July 28 package that eliminates removed the former limit of twenty cap on overseas voting sections, allowing new stations abroad where at least 40 voter applications are received or where a section existed in the past five years with a minimum of 100 voters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may block sections in states deemed insecure, and required electronic voting machines become mandatory for any section precincts with more than over 300 voters, while paper ballots are confined to smaller precincts. On 30 July 2026 Progressive Bulgaria deputy Ivan Yanev announced an amendment guaranteeing a secret and independent ballot introduced special provisions for blind and visually‑impaired citizens, requiring voice guidance, larger fonts and tactile templates on machines. voters. The full amendment National Assembly formally adopted these changes on 28 July 2026 mandates 30, confirming the shift to mandatory electronic voting machines in larger sections with over 300 registered voters (148 votes for, 32 against). Paper while retaining paper ballots will remain for smaller sections, mobile ballot boxes, hospitals, elderly homes precincts and other specialized special institutions. The reform On July 29 the Assembly also removes set the previous overseas‑section ceiling of 300 voters, rescinds proposals for optical devices, and tightens rules presidential election for voters 25 October 2026, with permanent disabilities, allowing independent voting after a year‑long procurement process. possible runoff on 1 November 2026 if no candidate reaches an absolute majority. The Central Election Commission, led by Georgi Horozov, vote will establish training units, publish an electronic register of trained personnel be held two to three months before the incumbent’s term ends on 22 January 2027. The same session designated machine voting as the primary method for the election and stream its sessions online. scheduled the parliamentary summer recess for 5 to 23 August 2026. The changes reforms are backed by Progressive Bulgaria, Democratic Bulgaria and Continue the Change, while GERB‑SDS, DPS and Revival oppose them. On 30 July 2026 the National Assembly formally adopted the overhaul, confirming the earlier committee proposals voiced opposition. The Central Election Commission, led by Georgi Horozov, will implement training and removing an electronic register for election staff to support the "Foreign" voting district. Electronic new electronic voting is now required in any precinct with over 300 voters, limiting paper ballots to smaller precincts and special locations such as hospitals and care homes. infrastructure.

Versions

  1. 2026-07-31 10:06 UTC Bulgaria election reforms and election date set
  2. 2026-07-31 09:36 UTC Bulgaria election code reforms
  3. 2026-07-30 15:44 UTC Bulgaria election code reforms
  4. 2026-07-30 09:44 UTC Bulgaria election code reforms
  5. 2026-07-30 04:42 UTC Bulgaria election code reforms

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