NEWS

President Radev: Preventing vote-buying requires systematic efforts and strengthens confidence in electoral process

Rumen Radev meets with OSCE representatives of the organisation's mission to monitor the upcoming elections

Free and fair elections are at the heart of the democratic process and effective measures are subsequently needed against vote buying and selling, and against the corporate vote. The eradication of this vicious practice, unacceptable in a European country, requires systematic and sustained efforts, which the competent authorities in this country are making. This is what President Rumen Radev said during a meeting with officials from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), who are part of the international organisation's mission to monitor the upcoming elections on 14 November.

The Head of State stressed that the main priority for the elections should be to raise voter turnout and voters' confidence in the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. "Votes buying and selling distorts the outcome of the elections and the will of the voter. Logically, during the last two elections, measures were taken to prevent these vicious practices," Rumen Radev explained. The President pointed out that the legitimacy and stability of the next parliament and government depended on the fair holding of the upcoming 14 November vote and the active turnout.

The Head of State underscored that the introduction of machine voting had repeatedly reduced the share of invalid votes. Voters already had experience with the machines, people shared their impressions, and awareness campaigns were being conducted, Rumen Radev specified.

Measures to ensure the health and safety of electors during the election campaign and the voting were also discussed at the meeting.