Bulgaria to Save BGN 8 M from Combining Local, Presidential Elections

Bulgaria will be holding presidential and local elections together on October 23, 2011. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria is going to save about BGN 8 M by opting to hold the upcoming presidential and local elections together, according to Finance Minister Simeon Djankov.

Speaking in Parliament Friday, Djankov explained that BGN 26 M have been slated under the 2011 State Budget Act for the holding of the double vote in the fall of 2011.

Individual elections (i.e. only presidential or only local) in the past have cost about BGN 16-18 M, said the Finance Minister and Deputy PM, who has been assigned with the task of the overall coordination of the presidential and local votes.

On October 23, 2011, all eligible Bulgarian voters will vote for a head of the largely ceremonial Presidency, municipal mayors, and municipal councilors. Potential run-offs for the Presidency and mayor seats will be held two weeks later.

Bulgaria holds presidential elections every 5 years, and local elections – every 4 years; as both were supposed to be held in the fall of 2011, the Cabinet and Parliament decided to hold them together in order to save money.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!