Former European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. Photo by BGNES
Bulgaria’s right-wing opposition Reformist Bloc has expressed support for President Rosen Plevneliev’s call for a referendum on new election rules.
In a televised address to the nation late on Wednesday, Plevneliev proposed a nationwide referendum in which Bulgarians will have their say on whether they want to elect some of their MPs directly rather than from party lists, voting made obligatory and electronic voting allowed.
Meglena Kuneva, leader of Bulgaria for Citizens, one of the parties in the Reformist Bloc, declared Thursday that Plevneliev’s suggestions are reasonable.
“We are not afraid by the voice of the people. Citizens do not have any power right now, but they have a voice. This voice should be heard,” Kuneva told reporters.
Kuneva, a former European Commissioner, noted that electronic voting would be a remedy against vote buying and ballot-rigging.
If approved by Parliament - which appears highly unlikely, since the ruling coalition is firmly against it - the referendum would take place along with the European elections in May.