19/09/2014 Election observation
A three-member, cross-party delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) was in Sofia on 18 and 19 September 2014, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, for a pre-electoral visit ahead of the 5 October 2014 early parliamentary elections.
“The best possibility to improve democracy is when people take part in the democratic process. The Bulgarian civil society should show its strength by participating in the elections in large numbers and not stay at home out of resignation”, said Doris Fiala (Switzerland, ALDE) at the close of a two-day pre-electoral visit to Sofia. “Polls should never lead to the conclusion that one’s vote does not make a difference. Even votes that fall below electoral thresholds are important, for they reflect the wishes of the people. The free and fair conduct of the forthcoming snap elections is not only important for Bulgaria but for the whole of Europe and for everybody who believes in the same values of democracy”.
The pre-electoral delegation noted with satisfaction the recent improvements to the electoral legislation, including the introduction of the proportional vote, the efficient application of which still remained to be tested. It also commended the competent work of the Central Election Commission under newly adopted rules and tight time schedules.
On the other hand, the delegation expressed grave concern over the total lack of trust in the democratic processes. “The last two years of political instability and successive revelation of corrupt practices at various levels has led the country to an impasse, from which the only way out would be through a show of great maturity by the political class and by placing national interests ahead of short-sighted party political ambitions. In order to regain public trust, it is time to forget the language of hatred and to start campaigning with rational arguments and clearly defined political programmes”.
The pre-electoral delegation was also informed of numerous allegations of potential vote-buying and controlled voting ahead of the elections. “We call upon the state authorities to pool all their efforts to eradicate this criminal practice and to seriously investigate all allegations that could arise over the next weeks. We appeal to all political forces in this country to trust citizens to make their own free choices, and to adhere to the principles of fair play. It is the only way to stop the spiral of political crisis and to have, at the end of the day, a legitimate result that everybody could respect.”
The delegation also echoed concern over the role of the media in the election campaign, which appeared to favour large established parties and corporate interest rather than offering a fair playing field to all players. The opaque media ownership and lack of transparency, both in the funding and the money spent by political parties, further aggravated the picture.
“The way a country treats its minorities is a sign of the quality of democracy in the country”, added Doris Fiala. “In this respect, we regret that national minorities are still not able to campaign in their own language in minority-predominant regions. In the 21st century it is not the use of a minority’s mother tongue that would snatch the votes; credible assurances to the citizens at large that their concerns are being catered for is a more valid guarantee for winning voters’ support”.
The delegation held meetings in Sofia with the President of Bulgaria, the Prime Minister of the caretaker government, the President of the Constitutional Court, the Chair and members of the Central Electoral Committee, representatives of parliamentary groups and representatives of registered parties and coalitions, as well as the OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission, NGOs, the media and members of the diplomatic corps.
A fully-fledged delegation of about 22 PACE observers will return to the country to observe the early parliamentary elections of 5 October 2014.
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Members of the delegation:
Doris Fiala (Switzerland, ALDE), head of the delegation
Zbigniew Girsyiński (Poland, EPP/CD)
Olga-Nantia Valavani (Greece, UEL)