Bulgarians in US Demand Equal Voting Rights

Bulgarian voters living in the US have insisted in their right to vote for party lists and to cast a ballot for independent candidates.

Under the present regulations expats are denied the option to vote for entire lists, i.e. also to use the preference tool.

In a letter published on the website of the Civil Councils of Bulgarians Abroad, they have asked to be put on an equal footing with their fellow citizens in Bulgaria, a condition that should be provided under the Constitution.

Representatives of the association have reminded over 1.5 million Bulgarians are currently living outside the country, with all expats' contribution to the economy standing at EUR 1-2 B (up to 5 percent of GDP).

About 600 000 of them are potential voters, with polling stations having been opened at their disposal.

Experts have also commented on the limitations for Bulgarians abroad, with former elections civil board member Mihail Konstantinov describing them as "unconstitutional" on public broadcaster BNT's Sunday breakfast show.

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