MPs of Bulgaria's Junior Govt Partner Propose Introduction of Online Voting

Lawmakers of the Reformist Bloc (RB) coalition have proposed the introduction of online voting in Bulgaria from 2018 - the year of the next general election.

The RB brings together several parties from the ruling coalition, but also includes the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) of Radan Kanev, who withdrew their support from the government, switching to opposition.

Earlier this year, Bulgarian MPs backed in principle the introduction of remote online voting, in line with the results of a referendum held in October.

Nearly three-quarters of voters approved the move, which its supporters say will help draw discouraged young people back into the political process and will boost turnout among Bulgarian expats.

Critics maintain vote secrecy cannot be safeguarded, and warn of possible security breaches if remote online voting is introduced.

Under the RB's proposal for amendments to the Electoral Code, citizens will be able to cast an "e-ballot" between 4 and 7 days ahead of "paper" election day.

Within this period, an "online voter" will have the right to vote as many times as they want, but only their last choice will be considered valid.

Anyone voting online who feels pressured into voting for a certain party will be able to input a "panic PIN code".

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