The pre-electoral delegation of PACE said it is satisfied with the improvements to Bulgaria’s Election Law but noted the lack of trust in democracy is a cause for concern.

“The best possibility to improve democracy is when people take part in the democratic process,”the head of the delegation, Doris Fiala, said in a statement at the close of a two-day pre-electoral visit to Sofia on Friday.

“The Bulgarian civil society should show its strength by participating in the elections in large numbers and not stay at home out of resignation”.

The delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) was on a two-day pre-electoral mission to Sofia at the invitation of Bulgaria’s foreign ministry to assess the election campaign and political climate prior to the snap vote in the country on October 5.

The delegation noted with satisfaction the recent improvements to the voting rules, “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.

However, 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,” the statement read.

The delegation was also informed of numerous allegations of potential vote-buying and controlled voting ahead of the elections. The PACE representatives 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 delegation met with Bulgaria’s President Rosen Plevneliev, caretaker Prime Minister Georgi Bliznashki, the Constitutional Court President as well as the Chair and members of the Central Electoral Commission.

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