Bulgaria
Question | Value |
---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 4. any funds from any foreign governments or from any foreign state-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organizations. (2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1). The Political Parties Act, 2005; Чл. 24. (1) "Политическите партии не могат да получават: 4. средства от чужди правителства или от чуждестранни държавни предприятия, чуждестранни търговски дружества или чуждестранни организации с идеална цел." Закон за политическите партии 2005 |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Only citizens of EU which have suffrage in Bulgaria can donate. Source
Art.168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 3. financial resources from non-resident natural persons, with the exception of the persons who are nationals of another Member State of the European Union, who are enfranchised under this Code; ... 5. financial resources from foreign governments or from foreign State-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organisations. (2) The entities referred to in Items 2 to 5 of Paragraph (1) may not provide any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign, or any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever." Article 168 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014; Чл. 168. (1) "Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: 3. средства от чуждестранни физически лица, с изключение на лицата - граждани на друга държава - членка на Европейския съюз, които имат избирателни права по кодекса; 5. средства от чужди правителства или от чуждестранни държавни предприятия, чуждестранни търговски дружества или чуждестранни организации с идеална цел. Източник: чл. 168 (1-2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
In 2019 the Political Parties Act was changed by allowing corporate donations. However with a decision of the Constitutional Court in 2021 the amendment was removed because it was considered as unconstitutional Source
Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ... 4. any funds from any foreign governments or from any foreign state-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organizations. (2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable items for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1). The Political Parties Act, 2005 Чл. 24. (1) " Политическите партии не могат да получават: 2. средства от юридически лица и от еднолични търговци." Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The election code was changed in 2019 by allowing corporate donations to candidates. However, with a decision of the Constitutional Court in 2021, the amendment was removed because it was considered unconstitutional. Source
Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders; ... 5. financial resources from foreign governments or from foreign State-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organisations. Article 168 (1) and (2), the Election Code, 2014; Чл. 168. (1) "Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: Източник: чл. 168 (1-2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no explicit ban on donations from trade unions. Source
Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ... (2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities, referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1)." Source: Article 24 (1-2), The Political Parties Act, 2005; Чл. 24. "Политическите партии не могат да получават: Източник: чл. 24 (1-2), Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no explicit ban on donations from trade unions. Source
Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders; ... (2) The entities referred to in Items 2 to 5 of Paragraph (1) may not provide any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign, or any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever." Source: Article 168 (1) and (2), the Election Code, 2014 Чл. 168. (1) "Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: 1. any anonymous donations in any form whatsoever; ..." The Political Parties Act, 2005; Чл. 24. (1) " Политическите партии не могат да получават: Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: 1. anonymous contributions in any form whatsoever;..." The Election Code, 2014: Чл. 24. (1)"Политическите партии не могат да получават: |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ..." The Political Parties Act, 2005 Чл. 24. (1) "Политическите партии не могат да получават: средства от юридически лица и от еднолични търговци;" Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Article 168 (1) "A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders;..." The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 168. (1)" Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: средства от юридически лица и от еднолични търговци" Източник: чл. 168 (1), т.2, Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ..." Source: Article 24 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005 Чл. 24. (1)" Политическите партии не могат да получават: средства от юридически лица и от еднолични търговци" Източник: чл. 24 (1), т.2, Закон за политическите партии, 2005 Source: Article 168 (1), The Election Code, 2014 |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders;..." Source: Article 168 (1), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 168. (1) "Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: средства от юридически лица и от еднолични търговци" Източник: чл. 168 (1), т.2, Изборен кодекс, 2014 Source: Article 24 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005 |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 168. "(3) It shall be prohibited to use public administrative resources gratuitously in connection with the election campaign." Supplementary provisions. Art. 18. "Public administrative resources shall be on-budget resources, premises, automobiles, airplanes and other means of transport, equipment and other movable and immovable things constituting State or municipal property, allocated to the administration, the central and local government authorities, and the State-owned and municipal-owned enterprises, as well as the work of administration employees. Source: Article 168 (3) and Art. 18 (see chapter Supplementary provisions), The Election Code, 2014 "(4) Political parties may not use free of charge any public administrative resource." Supplementary provisions. Art. 7. "Public administrative resource shall denote funds from the public budget. premises, automobiles, aircraft and other transport vehicles, equipment and other movable and immovable assets - in state and municipal ownership, made available to the administration, to state and local bodies and to state and local enterpsirses, as well as the labour of the administration employees." Source: Article 24 (4) and Art. 7 (see chapter Supplementary provisions), The Political Parties Act, 2005; Чл. 168. (1) "Партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет във връзка с предизборната кампания не може да получава: (3) Във връзка с предизборната кампания се забранява безплатното използване на публичен административен ресурс. Допълнителни разпоредби: 18 "Публичен административен ресурс" са бюджетни средства, помещения, автомобили, самолети и други транспортни средства, оборудване и други движими и недвижими вещи - държавна или общинска собственост, предоставени на администрацията, държавните и местните органи, и държавните и общинските предприятия, както и трудът на служителите в администрацията." Източник: чл. 168 (3) и чл. 18 в Допълнителните разпредби, Изборен кодекс, 2014; чл. 24 (4) "Публичен административен ресурс" са бюджетни средства, помещения, автомобили, самолети и други транспортни средства, оборудване и други движими и недвижими вещи - държавна или общинска собственост, предоставени на администрацията, държавните и местните органи, и държавните и общинските предприятия, както и трудът на служителите в администрацията." Допълнителни разпоредби, чл. 7: "Публичен административен ресурс" са бюджетни средства, помещения, автомобили, самолети и други транспортни средства, оборудване и други движими и недвижими вещи - държавна или общинска собственост, предоставени на администрацията, държавните и местните органи, и държавните и общинските предприятия, както и трудът на служителите в администрацията." Източник: чл. 24 (4) и чл. 7 в Допълнителните разпоредби; Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
No
Source
Ch. IV, 4. 27: "It is recommended for the legislator to consider re-introducing contribution limits for private donations, which are common in most OSCE participating States, while carefully balancing between ensuring that there is no distortion in the political process in favour of wealthy interest groups or particular individuals and encouraging broad political participation, including by allowing individuals to contribute to the parties of their choice." OSSE/ODIHR Opinion on the Act on Amendment of the Act on the 2019 State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria: Ch. IV, 4, 27, 2019 |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No
Source
The art. 167 of the Election code which regulated the limit has been amended and erased; Чл. 167 от Изборния кодекс, който регулираше този въпрос е отменен през 2019 г. |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
No
Source
The art. 167 of the Election code which regulated the limit has been amended and erased Чл. 167 от Изборния кодекс, който регулираше този въпрос е отменен през 2019 година. |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
No
Comment
No information was found on any limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own campaign. |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Source
Ch. IV, 4. 27: "It is recommended for the legislator to consider re-introducing contribution limits for private donations, which are common in most OSCE participating States, while carefully balancing between ensuring that there is no distortion in the political process in favour of wealthy interest groups or particular individuals and encouraging broad political participation, including by allowing individuals to contribute to the parties of their choice." Source: OSSE/ODIHR Opinion on the Act on Amendment of the Act on the 2019 State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria: Ch. IV, 4, 27, 2019 |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
No information was found on any limits placed on in-kind donations to candidates |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 22. "(1) Political parties may not carry out any economic activities, except in the cases referred to in Item 6 of Article 23 (1) herein. (2) Political parties shall have no right to incorporate and to hold participating interests in any commercial corporations and cooperatives." Article 23. (1) Revenue from own sources of political parties shall be any proceeds accruing from: ... 6. publishing, copyright, and use of intellectual property, as well as from the sale and distribution of printed, audio, and audio-visual material of a party propaganda content." Source: Articles 22 (1-2) and 23 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005; чл. 22" Политическите партии не могат да извършват стопанска дейност, освен в случаите по чл. 23, ал. 1, т. 6. |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
Parties have the right to receive loans during the calendar year, but the Political Parties Act does not specify whether the loans are to be specifically spent on election campaigns. However, the list of allowed sources of income for candidates during election campaigns does not include loans. Source
"(3) Political parties may contract loans from banks to an amount not exceeding two-thirds of the revenue for the last preceding calendar year as reported to the National Audit Office. (4) The revenue referred to in Paragraph (3) shall include the state subsidy and the revenue referred to in Items 1, 2, 5 and 6 of Paragraph (1)." Source: Article 23 (3-4), The Political Parties Act, 2005; чл. 23 (3) "Политическите партии могат да ползват заеми от банки в размер до две трети от отчетените в Сметната палата приходи за предходната календарна година. |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) A party which has registered candidates may finance the election campaign thereof by: 1. own financial resources of the party; 2. financial resources of the candidates; 3. contributions by natural persons (2) A coalition which has registered candidates may finance the election campaign thereof by: 1. own financial resources of the parties which participate in the said coalition; 2. financial resources of the candidates; 3. contributions by natural persons to one of the parties in the coalition designated under Article 164 (2) herein. (3) A nomination committee which has registered a candidate may finance the election campaign thereof by: 1. financial resources of the members of the nomination committee; 2. financial resources of the candidates; 3. contributions by natural persons to one of the parties in the coalition designated under Article 164 (2) herein." Source: Article 162 (1-3), the Election Code, 2014 чл.162 "Партия, регистрирала кандидати, може да финансира предизборната си кампания със: Източник: чл. 162, Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
|
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art.170. "(1) The financing of any financial resources raised and spent in connection with the election campaign in an amount exceeding BGN 1,000 shall be effected by bank transfer. (2) Where the amount of the financial resources contributed or provided exceeds BGN 1,000, the Bulgarian National Audit Office shall check the correspondence between the amount of the financial resources contributed or provided for the relevant election campaign and the amount of the income of the person. The check shall cover the period from the conduct of the previous elections of the same type to the day of submission of the relevant declaration under Article 169 (1) or (2) herein." Source: Article 170 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014; Чл. 170. (1)" Финансирането на приходите и разходите, свързани с предизборната кампания, на стойност над 1000 лв., се извършва по банков път. |
Question | Value |
---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, regularly
Source
(1) State subsidy shall be granted to: The annual amount of the state subsidy of each political party or coalition under Art. 25, para. 1 shall be determined by multiplying the actual votes received by the respective party or coalition by the amount of the state subsidy for one actual vote received. The amount of the state subsidy for one actual vote received is determined annually by the law on the state budget of the Republic of Bulgaria. Source: Art. 25 (1) and 26, Political Parties Act, 2005; чл. 25: (1) "Държавна субсидия се предоставя на: |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Share of votes in previous election
Source
Art. 25: (1) State subsidy shall be granted to: Source: Art. 25 (1), Political parties Act, 2005; чл. 25 (1) "Държавна субсидия се предоставя на: |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Proportional to votes received
Source
Art. 25.
Source: Articles 25, 26, 27 and 28, The Political Parties Act, 2005; чл. 25 "(2) Държавната субсидия, предоставяна на всяка коалиция по ал. 1, т. 2, се разпределя между партиите, включени в състава на коалицията, според коалиционно споразумение, а при липса на такова се разпределя пропорционално на броя на народните представители от отделните партии." чл. 26 (1) "Годишният размер на държавната субсидия на всяка политическа партия или коалиция по чл. 25, ал. 1 се определя, като действителните гласове, които е получила съответната партия или коалиция, се умножават по размера на държавната субсидия за един получен действителен глас. Размерът на държавната субсидия за един получен действителен глас се определя ежегодно със закона за държавния бюджет на Република България. (3) Държавната субсидия се предоставя ежегодно от бюджета на Министерството на правосъдието на партиите по чл. 25, ал. 1, т. 1 и на партиите, включени в състава на коалициите по чл. 25, ал. 1, т. 2, на четири части: до 30 април, до 30 юни, до 30 септември и до 20 декември на съответната година. Държавната субсидия се предоставя на равни части, освен в случаите по чл. 27. Министерството на правосъдието превежда държавната субсидия по банкова сметка, посочена от съответната партия по изречение първо." чл. 27 "Необходимите разходи за държавната субсидия по чл. 25 се планират по бюджета на Министерството на правосъдието за съответната година. Планираните разходи са индикативни. Когато планираните разходи по бюджета на Министерството на правосъдието са недостатъчни, допълнителни средства за тази цел се осигуряват по реда на чл. 109, ал. 3 от Закона за публичните финанси. |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Source
"(1) Political parties shall spend the funds thereof on preparation and participation in elections, to ensure the operation of party chapters, on organizational expenses for the conduct of events, and on other expenses inherent to the activity of the party." Source: Articles 29 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005; Чл. 29 (1) "Политическите партии разходват средствата си за подготовка и участие в избори, за осигуряване работата на партийните структури, за организационни разходи по провеждане на мероприятия и за други присъщи за дейността на партията разходи." Източник: чл. 29 (1), Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There are such provisions only in relation with the parties engaged in the election campaign (see the Election Code). The Political Parties Act do not contain any specific provisions in this regard. Source
"(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy." Source: Article 178 (1), The Election Code, 2014; чл. 178 (1)" Държавата предоставя средства за медийни пакети в размер на 40 000 лв. на партиите и коалициите, които са регистрирали кандидати при избори за президент и вицепрезидент на републиката и за членове на Европейския парламент от Република България и във всички изборни райони при избори за народни представители и които нямат право на държавна субсидия по Закона за политическите партии. На коалиция, в която участват партии, които имат право на държавна субсидия по реда на Закона за политическите партии, се предоставят средства за медийни пакети в размер, пропорционален на дела на партиите, участващи в коалицията, които нямат право на държавна субсидия." Изтоник: 178 (1), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Comment
Only political parties which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act can get free access to media. Source
"(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy. ... (3) The resources for the media packages referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be for the account of the State budget and shall be used to pay for the different paid forms of coverage of the election campaign through the media service providers. (4) The Central Election Commission shall pay for the various paid forms of coverage of the election campaign until depletion of the financial resources of the party, coalition or nomination committee referred to in Paragraph (1) or (2). ... (6) The parties, coalitions and nomination committees shall make public the financial resources for the media packages, which have been paid for the coverage of the campaign appearances of the candidates thereof, in the register referred to in Article 171 herein and shall account for the said resources in the report referred to in Article 172 (1) herein." Source: Article 178 (1), (3), (4) and (6), The Election Code, 2014: чл. 178 (1) "Държавата предоставя средства за медийни пакети в размер на 40 000 лв. на партиите и коалициите, които са регистрирали кандидати при избори за президент и вицепрезидент на републиката и за членове на Европейския парламент от Република България и във всички изборни райони при избори за народни представители и които нямат право на държавна субсидия по Закона за политическите партии. На коалиция, в която участват партии, които имат право на държавна субсидия по реда на Закона за политическите партии, се предоставят средства за медийни пакети в размер, пропорционален на дела на партиите, участващи в коалицията, които нямат право на държавна субсидия. (3) Средствата за медийните пакети по ал. 1 и 2 са за сметка на държавния бюджет и се използват за заплащане на различните платени форми на отразяване на предизборната кампания чрез доставчиците на медийни услуги. (4) Централната избирателна комисия заплаща различните платени форми на отразяване на предизборната кампания до изчерпване на средствата на партията, коалицията или инициативния комитет по ал. 1 или 2., (6) Партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети обявяват в регистъра по чл. 171 и отчитат в отчета по чл. 172, ал. 1 средствата за медийните пакети, които са заплатени за отразяване проявите на кандидатите им." Източник: 1л. 178 (1), (3), (4), (6), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art.178. "(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy. (2) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the nomination committees which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and in the amount of BGN 5,000 to the nomination committees which have registered candidates upon elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and upon elections of National Representatives. (3) The resources for the media packages referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be for the account of the State budget and shall be used to pay for the different paid forms of coverage of the election campaign through the media service providers." Art. 193. "(1) The election campaign in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall open and close with spots of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees of a length not exceeding 40 seconds, which shall be transmitted at no charge. (2) Upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, the election campaign in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall open and close with messages by the pairs of candidates of a length not exceeding 3 minutes for each of the said pairs, which shall not be paid for. (3) Upon conduct of a new election of President and Vice President of the Republic in the cases referred to in Article 93 (4) of the Constitution, the candidates shall have the right to broadcast messages not longer than 10 minutes in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio on the last day of the election campaign between the two rounds, in an order determined by lots according to a procedure established by the Central Election Commission. The addresses shall not be paid for." Art. 195. "(1) The Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall allot air time to the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates for debates at no charge on topics coordinated in advance of a length aggregating not less than 240 minutes. ... (3) Upon conduct of a new election of President and Vice President of the Republic in the cases referred to in Article 93 (4) of the Constitution, in the period between the two rounds, by mutual agreement the candidates may hold a debate at no charge of a length of not less than 60 minutes within the appointed transmission time on the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio. The debate shall take place according to the procedure established by this Section." Source: Articles 178 (1-3),193 (1-3) and 195 (1 and 3), The Election Code, 2014; чл. 178 "Държавата предоставя средства за медийни пакети в размер на 40 000 лв. на партиите и коалициите, които са регистрирали кандидати при избори за президент и вицепрезидент на републиката и за членове на Европейския парламент от Република България и във всички изборни райони при избори за народни представители и които нямат право на държавна субсидия по Закона за политическите партии. На коалиция, в която участват партии, които имат право на държавна субсидия по реда на Закона за политическите партии, се предоставят средства за медийни пакети в размер, пропорционален на дела на партиите, участващи в коалицията, които нямат право на държавна субсидия. (2) Държавата предоставя средства за медийни пакети в размер на 40 000 лв. на инициативните комитети, които са регистрирали кандидати при избори за президент и вицепрезидент на републиката, и в размер на 5000 лв. на инициативните комитети, които са регистрирали кандидати при избори за членове на Европейския парламент от Република България и при избори за народни представители. |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
No
|
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
|
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
|
Question | Value |
---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Source
Art. 167. "(2) Anyone offering or providing a material benefit to another to the purpose of persuading him/her to exercise his right to vote to the benefit of a particular candidate for office, a political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine from BGN ten thousand to twenty thousand. (3) Anyone who organizes the offering or giving of a material benefit to another for the purpose of persuading him/her to exercise his right to vote to the benefit of a particular candidate for office, a political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to seven years and a fine from BGN ten thousand to twenty-five thousand. (4) The punishment under paragraph (3) shall also be imposed on a person providing a material benefit to the persons under paragraphs (2) and (3) to be offered or provided to another person with the purposes of persuading him to exercise his voting right in favour of a specific candidate, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner. (5) Where the act under Paragraphs 1 - 4 was committed by a domestic public official in the course of, or in connection with, the performance of the official duties thereof, the punishment shall be imprisonment from two to seven years and a fine from BGN 10,000 to 30,000. (6) In the cases under paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and 5 the court shall also impose a punishment deprivation of the right under Article 37 (1) item 6. (7) Perpetrators of actions referred to in paragraph (2) will not be punished provided that they voluntarily inform the relevant body of authority of any committed crime as referred to in paragraph (3) and (4)." Art. 167a. " Anyone who in order to exercise his right to vote in favor of a certain candidate, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a certain way, requests or receives a property benefit, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of one thousand to five thousand levs. Source: Articles 167 (2 - 7) and 167a, Criminal Code of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1968 Чл. 167 (2) "Който предложи или даде на другиго имотна облага с цел да го склони да упражни избирателното си право в полза на определен кандидат, политическа партия или коалиция или да гласува на референдум по определен начин се наказва с лишаване от свобода от една до шест години и с глоба от десет хиляди до двадесет хиляди лева. (3) Който организира предлагането или даването на другиго на имотна облага с цел да го склони да упражни избирателното си право в полза на определен кандидат, политическа партия или коалиция или да гласува на референдум по определен начин се наказва с лишаване от свобода от една до седем години и с глоба от десет хиляди до двадесет и пет хиляди лева. (4) Наказанието по ал. 3 се налага и на лице, което предоставя имотната облага на лицата по ал. 2 и 3, за да бъде предложена или дадена на другиго с цел да бъде склонен да упражни избирателното си право в полза на определен кандидат, политическа партия или коалиция или да гласува на референдум по определен начин. (5) Когато деянието по ал. 1 - 4 е извършено от длъжностно лице при или по повод изпълнение на служебните му задължения, наказанието е лишаване от свобода от две до седем години и глоба от десет хиляди до тридесет хиляди лева. (6) В случаите по ал. 2, 3, 4 и 5 съдът постановява и наказание лишаване от право по чл. 37, ал. 1, т. 6. (7) Деецът по ал. 2 не се наказва, ако доброволно съобщи на надлежен орган на властта за извършено престъпление по ал. 3 и 4.", чл. 167а (1) " Който с цел да упражни избирателното си право в полза на определен кандидат, политическа партия или коалиция или да гласува на референдум по определен начин поиска или получи имотна облага, се наказва с лишаване от свобода до три години и с глоба от хиляда до пет хиляди лева. (2) Деецът не се наказва, ако доброволно съобщи на надлежен орган на властта за извършено престъпление по чл. 167, ал. 2, 3 или 4.", Източник: чл. 167 (2-7), чл. 167а, Наказателен кодекс, 1968 |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The limit depends on the type of elections (National Representatives for a National Assembly, National Representatives for Grand National Asembly, elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria, upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors) Source
"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed: 1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; 4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee. (2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1). (3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000; 2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000; 3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000; 4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000; 5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000; 6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000. (4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor: 1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000; 2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000; 3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000; 4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000. (5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000; 2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000; 3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000." Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014; Чл. 165. (1) "Общият размер на финансирането на всяка предизборна кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети не може да надхвърля: |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
The amounts of spending depend on the type of elections and the actors involved in the respective campaigns (parties, coalitions or nomination committees).
Source
(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed: 1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; 4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee. (2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1). (3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000; 2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000; 3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000; 4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000; 5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000; 6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000. (4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor: 1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000; 2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000; 3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000; 4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000. (5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000; 2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000; 3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000." Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014; Чл. 165. (1) "Общият размер на финансирането на всяка предизборна кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети не може да надхвърля: |
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed: 1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; 4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee. (2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1). (3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000; 2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000; 3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000; 4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000; 5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000; 6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000. (4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor: 1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000; 2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000; 3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000; 4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000. (5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000; 2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000; 3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000." Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 165. (1) "Общият размер на финансирането на всяка предизборна кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети не може да надхвърля: Източник: чл. 165 (1-5), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
The amounts of spending depend on the type of elections and the actors involved in the respective campaigns (parties, coalitions or nomination committees).
Source
"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed: 1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee; 3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; 4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee. (2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1). (3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000; 2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000; 3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000; 4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000; 5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000; 6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000. (4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor: 1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000; 2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000; 3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000; 4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000. (5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor: 1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000; 2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000; 3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000." Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 165. (1) "Общият размер на финансирането на всяка предизборна кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети не може да надхвърля: Източник: чл. 165 (1-5), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
No
|
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Source
"(1) In respect of the election campaign, the electronic media other than the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio and the regional centres thereof may use paid and free-of-charge forms of coverage of the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates. (2) It shall be prohibited to make political insinuations in commercial advertising to the benefit or to the detriment of any party, coalition or nomination committee or candidate. (3) The commercial electronic media referred to in Paragraph (1) may allot time for paid coverage of the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates on identical terms and at identical rates. (4) The rates referred to in Paragraph (3) may not exceed the average market rates for commercial advertising during the last six months before the start of the election campaign. (5) The terms and procedure for the allotment of time for coverage of the election campaign, as well as the rate schedules, shall be made public on the Internet site of the respective medium referred to in Paragraph (1) not later than 40 days in advance of polling day. Payment shall be effected in advance. (6) The terms, procedure and rate schedules referred to in Paragraph (5) shall be transmitted to the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be provided to the Central Election Commission in respect of an electronic medium operating within a national range and to the constituency election commissions or, respectively, to the municipal election commissions in respect of an electronic medium operating within a regional or a local range, not later than the opening of the election campaign. (7) The time allotted by the media referred to in Paragraph (1) for paid forms of coverage of the election campaign shall be excluded from the limitation referred to in Article 89 (1) of the Radio and Television Act. Source: Article 198, The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 198. (1)" Във връзка с предизборната кампания електронните медии, с изключение на Българската национална телевизия и Българското национално радио и техните регионални центрове, може да използват платени и безплатни форми на отразяване на предизборната кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети, регистрирали кандидати. |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Source
"(1) The print media and the online news services shall offer identical terms and rates to all parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates, which shall be made public on the Internet site of the said media providers not later than 40 days in advance of polling day and shall forthwith be transmitted to the Bulgarian National Audit Office and to the Central Election Commission. Payment shall be effected in advance. (2) The print media and the online news services may alternatively cover at no charge the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates. (3) The rates referred to in Paragraph (1) may not exceed the average market rates for commercial advertising during the last six months before the start of the election campaign. (4) It shall be prohibited to make political insinuations in commercial advertising to the benefit or to the detriment of any party, coalition or nomination committee or candidate. Source: Article 187 (1 - 4), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 187. (1) "Печатните медии и онлайн новинарските услуги предоставят едни и същи условия и цени на всички партии, коалиции и инициативни комитети, регистрирали кандидати, които се обявяват на интернет страницата им не по-късно от 40 дни преди изборния ден и се изпращат незабавно на Сметната палата и на Централната избирателна комисия. Заплащането се извършва предварително. (2) Печатните медии и онлайн новинарските услуги може да отразяват и безплатно предизборната кампания на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети, регистрирали кандидати. (3) Цените по ал. 1 не може да надвишават средните пазарни цени за търговска реклама през последните 6 месеца преди началото на предизборната кампания. (4) В търговска реклама се забранява да се отправят политически внушения в полза или във вреда на една или друга партия, коалиция или инициативен комитет или кандидат." Източник: чл. 187, Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
|
Question | Value |
---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report." Source: Article 172 (1), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 172 (1)" В срок от 30 работни дни след изборния ден лицето, което представлява партията или инициативния комитет, и лицата, които представляват коалицията, представят пред Сметната палата на хартиен и електронен носител отчет за приходите, разходите и поетите задължения за плащане във връзка с предизборната кампания, придружен с извлечение от банковата им сметка. Към отчета се прилагат декларациите по чл. 169, ал.1 и 3." Източник: чл. 172 (1), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report." Source: Article 172(1), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 172 (1) "В срок от 30 работни дни след изборния ден лицето, което представлява партията или инициативния комитет, и лицата, които представляват коалицията, представят пред Сметната палата на хартиен и електронен носител отчет за приходите, разходите и поетите задължения за плащане във връзка с предизборната кампания, придружен с извлечение от банковата им сметка. Към отчета се прилагат декларациите по чл. 169, ал.1 и 3." Източник: чл. 172 (1), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report." Source: Article 172(1), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 172 (1) "В срок от 30 работни дни след изборния ден лицето, което представлява партията или инициативния комитет, и лицата, които представляват коалицията, представят пред Сметната палата на хартиен и електронен носител отчет за приходите, разходите и поетите задължения за плащане във връзка с предизборната кампания, придружен с извлечение от банковата им сметка. Към отчета се прилагат декларациите по чл. 169, ал.1 и 3." Източник: чл. 172 (1), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
Sometimes
Source
"(2) Within 30 working days after polling day, the media service providers, the sociological and advertising agencies, as well as the public relations agencies, shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office, on hard copy and on soft copy, information on the services provided to the parties, coalitions and nomination committees. The information shall be provided in a standard form endorsed by the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be published on the Internet site thereof." Source: Article 172 (2), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 172 (2)" В срок от 30 работни дни след изборния ден доставчиците на медийни услуги, социологическите и рекламните агенции, както и агенциите за осъществяване на връзки с обществеността представят в Сметната палата на хартиен и електронен носител информация за предоставените услуги на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети. Информацията се предоставя по образец, утвърден от Сметната палата, и се публикува на интернет страницата ѝ." Източник: чл. 172 (2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(5) The Bulgarian National Audit Office shall publish the reports of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees referred to in Paragraph (1) on the Internet site thereof within 15 days after expiry of the time limit for the submission of the said reports." Source: Article 172 (5), The Election Code, 2014 "(6) Not later than the 15th day of April of each current year, the National Audit Office shall publish, on the Internet site thereof, the financial statements and declarations referred to in Paragraph (4), a list of the designations of the parties which failed to submit statements within the time limit referred to in Paragraph (4), as well as a list of the parties which have received a state subsidy during the preceding year." Source: Article 34 (6), The Political Parties Act, 2005 чл. 172 (5) "Сметната палата публикува на интернет страницата си отчетите на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети по ал. 1 в 15-дневен срок от изтичането на срока за представянето им." Източник: чл. 172 (5), Изборен кодекс, 2014 чл. 34 (6) "Сметната палата публикува на интернет страницата си в срок до 15 април на текущата година отчетите и декларациите по ал. 4, списък с наименованията на партиите, които не са подали отчети в срока по ал. 4, както и списък на партиите, получили държавна субсидия през предходната година." Източник: чл. 34 (6), Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement." Source: Article 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005 "(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type." "(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 5. the names of the contributors, the type, purpose, amount or value of the contributions made; 6. the names of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees who have provided financial resources and the amount of the said resources; 8. the declarations on the origin of the financial resources contributed, the declarations on the origin of the financial resources of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees and the declarations by the natural persons on ownership of the things provided for gratuitous use;..." Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 34 (4) "До 31 март всяка година политическите партии представят на Сметната палата финансов отчет на хартиен и електронен носител. Към него се прилага декларация по образец, в която се съдържа списък на физическите лица, направили дарения." Източник: чл. 34 (4), Закон за политическите партии, 2005 чл. 171 (1) "В Сметната палата се създава единен публичен регистър на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети, регистрирани за участие в съответния вид избор, който се поддържа от откриването на предизборната кампания до следващите избори от същия вид. (2) В регистъра по ал. 1 се публикуват: ... 5. имената на дарителите, видът, целта, размерът или стойността на направените дарения; 6. имената на кандидатите и на членовете на инициативните комитети, които са предоставили средства, и размерът на средствата; 8. декларациите за произхода на дарените средства, декларациите за произхода на средствата на кандидатите и на членовете на инициативните комитети" Източник: чл. 171 (1-2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement." Source: Article 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005 "(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type." "(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 5. the names of the contributors, the type, purpose, amount or value of the contributions made; 6. the names of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees who have provided financial resources and the amount of the said resources; 8. the declarations on the origin of the financial resources contributed, the declarations on the origin of the financial resources of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees and the declarations by the natural persons on ownership of the things provided for gratuitous use;..." Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 34 (4) " До 31 март всяка година политическите партии представят на Сметната палата финансов отчет на хартиен и електронен носител. Към него се прилага декларация по образец, в която се съдържа списък на физическите лица, юридическите лица и едноличните търговци, направили дарения." Източник: чл. 34(4), Закон за политическите партии Чл. 171. (1) "В Сметната палата се създава единен публичен регистър на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети, регистрирани за участие в съответния вид избор, който се поддържа от откриването на предизборната кампания до следващите избори от същия вид. Източник: чл. 171 (1-2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Source
"(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement." Source: Article 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005 "(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type." "(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 5. the names of the contributors, the type, purpose, amount or value of the contributions made; 6. the names of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees who have provided financial resources and the amount of the said resources; 8. the declarations on the origin of the financial resources contributed, the declarations on the origin of the financial resources of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees and the declarations by the natural persons on ownership of the things provided for gratuitous use;..9. the names of the sociological agencies and of the advertising agencies, as well as of the public relations agencies hired by the parties, coalitions and nomination committees." Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 34 (4) " До 31 март всяка година политическите партии представят на Сметната палата финансов отчет на хартиен и електронен носител. Към него се прилага декларация по образец, в която се съдържа списък на физическите лица, юридическите лица и едноличните търговци, направили дарения." Източник: чл. 34(4), Закон за политическите партии Чл. 171. (1) "В Сметната палата се създава единен публичен регистър на партиите, коалициите и инициативните комитети, регистрирани за участие в съответния вид избор, който се поддържа от откриването на предизборната кампания до следващите избори от същия вид. Източник: чл. 171 (1-2), Изборен кодекс, 2014 |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
Auditing agency
Source
Art. 33. "(1) Financial control over the activities of political parties and the management of the property thereto allocated shall be exercised by the National Audit Office." Art. 34. "(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement." Source: Articles 33 (1) and 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005 Art.172. "(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report." Source: Article 172(1), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 33. (1) "Финансовият контрол върху дейността на политическите партии и управлението на предоставеното им имущество се осъществява от Сметната палата." чл. 34(4) "До 31 март всяка година политическите партии представят на Сметната палата финансов отчет на хартиен и електронен носител. Към него се прилага декларация по образец, в която се съдържа списък на физическите лица, направили дарения." Източник: чл. 33 (1) и чл.34 (4), Закон за политическите партии, 2005 |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Auditing agency
Source
Art. 33. "(1) Financial control over the activities of political parties and the management of the property thereto allocated shall be exercised by the National Audit Office." Art. 44. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 43 and 43a herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office. (2) Penalty decrees shall be issued by the President of the National Audit Office." Source: Articles 33 (1) and 44 (1-2), The Political Parties Act, 2005 "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 476 to 479 herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office." Source: Article 497 (1), The Election Code, 2014 Чл. 33. (1) "Финансовият контрол върху дейността на политическите партии и управлението на предоставеното им имущество се осъществява от Сметната палата. чл. 44 (1) "Актовете за установяване на нарушенията по чл. 43 и 43а се съставят от длъжностни лица, оправомощени от председателя на Сметната палата. |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Refer for investigation
Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Request additional information from others
Impose sanctions
Source
Art. 35. "(1) Within six months after expiry of the time limit for receipt of the annual financial statements, the National Audit Office shall conduct an audit as to compliance with the requirements of this Act and of the Accountancy Act of the financial activity, the revenues, the expenditures and the management of the property allocated to the political parties which, during the preceding year have: 1. received a state subsidy; 2. used state-owned or municipal-owned premises provided thereto; 3. participated in elections, if such elections were held. (2) Upon conduct of the audit referred to in Paragraph (1), the authorities of the National Audit Office shall be entitled: 1. to unimpeded access to the service premises and to all documents, statements, assets and liabilities related to the financial activity of the political parties; 2. to require, within time limits set by them, certified copies of documents and other information in connection with the conduct of the audits, including on an electronic data medium; 3. to require oral and written explanations from office holders, including from former office holders, on facts ascertained upon the audits, as well as on matters concerning the activity (3) In case of a refusal to provide any information referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (2), the President of the National Audit Office shall have the right to issue an order on conduct of an examination of the legal person or of the sole trader in connection with the information refused. Upon obstruction of the examination by the legal person or by the sole trader, the National Audit Office shall approach the prosecuting authorities." Art. 35a. "(1) After expiry of the time limit referred to in Article 34 (6) herein, the authorities of the National Revenue Agency shall carry out activities within the (2) The National Revenue Agency shall carry out the activities referred to in Paragraph (1) within the time limits referred to in Article 114 (1) and (2) of the Tax and Social-Insurance Procedure Code. (3) After expiry of the time limits referred to in Paragraph (2), the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency shall send the National Audit Office information on the action taken by the said Agency, including information on the auditing instruments issued. (4) The National Audit Office shall publish, on the Internet site thereof, the report on the audit referred to in Article 35 (1) herein and the information received from the National Revenue Agency within one month after adoption of the report or after receipt of the information referred to in Paragraph (3), as the case may be." Art. 36. "(1) Upon non-submission or late submission of financial statements to the National Audit Office, political parties shall forfeit the entitlement thereof to a state subsidy until conduct of the next elections of National Representatives. (2) Where in the course of the audit the National Audit Office has ascertained any violations by a political party in the raising and spending of funds, in the management of the property as allocated or in the financial reporting, by decision of the National Audit Office the relevant part of the report, as well as the evidence taken, shall be transmitted to the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office within seven days after adoption of the said report." Art. 44. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 43 and 43a herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office. (2) Penalty decrees shall be issued by the President of the National Audit Office." Source: Articles 35 (1 - 3), 35a (1-4), 36 (1-2) and 44 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005 Art. 170. "(1) The financing of any financial resources raised and spent in connection with the election campaign in an amount exceeding BGN 1,000 shall be effected by bank transfer. ... (3) For conduct of the check, the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office shall request information from the National Revenue Agency and other competent authorities and institutions." Art. 497. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 476 to 479 herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office." Source: Articles 170 (1 and 3), 497 (1), The Election Code, 2014 чл. 35 (1) "В 6-месечен срок от изтичането на срока за получаване на годишните финансови отчети Сметната палата извършва одит за съответствие с изискванията на този закон и на Закона за счетоводството на финансовата дейност, приходите, разходите и управлението на предоставеното имущество на политическите партии, които през предходната година са: |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
|