06.07.2021
The Government’s commitment to prepare fair and free election is fulfilled in full. I am confident that we have done the best to that end, said Prime Minister Stefan Yanev when he met with Mrs. Tana de Zulueta, Head of the Limited Election Observation Mission (LEOM) to the Republic of Bulgaria of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR). In the course of the discussion at the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister and the Head of Mission discussed the overall pre-election situation and the cabinet’s tasks to guarantee democratic elections in strict compliance with the provisions of the law.
At the meeting, emphasis was placed on the new situation arising from the amended legislation concerning the election process. Prime Minister Stefan Yanev pointed out that the machine voting had been secured by the Government, both financially and logistically. As regards the voting outside Bulgaria, the Prime Minister noted the increased number of polling stations abroad as compared to the previous elections.
Further Prime Minister Yanev highlighted the Government’s earnest and dedicated two-pronged effort: first, to convey a positive message to citizens and encourage them to exercise their right to vote; and second, to counter resolutely any negative practices such as the vote buying. In response to the interest expressed by Mrs. Tana de Zulueta who asked to know what measures the caretaker cabinet is taking to counter the vote buying, Prime Minister Yanev assured that the Ministry of Interior works hard and that its operations yield results. Also, the Prime Minister spoke about his feedback from his meetings with citizens across the country. Stefan Yanev noted that people feel freer and try to shake off the fear or other pressure that they felt before.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Stefan Yanev thanked the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights for its continuing cooperation and active involvement in the election observation process in Bulgaria. The Prime Minister underscored his high appreciation for the work of all international observers and reiterated the Government’s determination to cooperate so that they may successfully fulfil their tasks for the benefit of the promotion of free and fair elections.
