Early Parliamentary Elections, 5 October 2014

Press Conference

Following an invitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria and based on the findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission, the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed a Limited Election Observation Mission (LEOM) to the 5 October 2014 early parliamentary elections.

Long-term observation

The OSCE/ODIHR LEOM, headed by  Ambassador Audrey Glover (United Kingdom), consists of 12 international experts based in Sofia. In addition, 14 long-term observers were requested from participating States to be deployed throughout the country in teams of two, from 14 September 2014.

The OSCE/ODIHR LEOM will assess the parliamentary elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with domestic legislation. Observers will closely monitor campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant governmental bodies, implementation of pilot project for machine voting,   election-related legislation and its implementation, the media environment, and the resolution of election-related disputes.

Election day

While the mission would visit a limited number of polling stations on election day, systematic observation of electoral proceedings is not envisaged.

The day after the elections, ODIHR, together with its parliamentary partners, will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference. A final report on the observation of the entire electoral process will be issued approximately eight weeks after the end of the observation mission.

Co-operation with Other Partners

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is planning to deploy observer delegation for these elections.

Previous elections

The OSCE/ODIHR has observed seven elections in Bulgaria since 1997, most recently in 2013, when the OSCE/ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the early parliamentary elections. The EOM concluded that the elections “were held in a competitive environment and fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly were respected. The administration of the elections by commissions was well managed and the Central Election Commission generally worked in an open manner. The electoral process was further negatively affected by pervasive allegations of vote-buying. Media provided voters with a variety of information. Nevertheless, a significant share of the campaign information had to be paid for, creating an unequal playing field for candidates. Election day took place in a calm and orderly manner and, overall, observers evaluated the process in polling stations positively”.

ODIHR has also issued a joint opinion on the Election Code of Bulgaria, together with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.