The changes in the Electoral Code categorically limit the rights of Bulgarian voters. I have already sent my negative opinion to the National Assembly. There is no way to use any reasons or excuses to say that Bulgarian citizens, regardless of where they live, should be restricted. They should have the right to express their vote. This was said by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva in the studio of “Your Day” on NOVA NEWS.
She indicated that she may refer the matter to the Constitutional Court and is considering this issue, but this cannot happen within 1-2 weeks, because it requires good motivation.
The Ombudsman also commented on the way in which people with disabilities will vote. Delcheva pointed out that the mobile sections are intended for those who cannot leave their homes. This rule does not apply to people with impaired vision or hearing.
For people with impaired vision, for example, when voting by machine, there is no sound signal to record the vote, she added. Delcheva said that she insists on accessible polling stations with a sign language interpreter, Braille formats of the lists, audio files and other specialized options. This will also guarantee the secrecy of the vote, she further emphasized.
Regarding electricity bills, the ombudsman said that she had received over 500 complaints. She added that the institutions lacked an explanation as to why this problem had arisen. She also emphasized that energy companies do not offer compensation to those affected. Delcheva said that high electricity bills are found throughout the country and with all energy companies. She has also sent a statement to the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Energy, but there has been no response yet.
Since the beginning of 2026, there have been three times more complaints on various issues than in all previous years, she also stated.
Delcheva also stated her position regarding the proposed new rules for admission to kindergartens. We recall that the Sofia Municipality is proposing significant changes to the rules for admission to municipal nurseries and kindergartens, which may also affect the upcoming rankings in May.
The most significant change is related to the scoring for permanent and current addresses. It is proposed that both types of address carry an equal number of points, since until now the permanent one provided an advantage. The aim of the measure is to avoid discrimination against families who live in rented accommodation and cannot register a permanent address for reasons beyond their control. However, the new scale provides for more points for longer-term residence in Sofia, for example - for families who have lived in the city for at least three years. The amendments also include the elimination of the bonus for attending a nursery. The municipality is providing for a one-year tolerance period so that parents who have already relied on this criterion are not surprised.
Delcheva said that when a child has already entered a nursery and a bonus point is taken away from him, he may not be accepted into the first group in the kindergarten, therefore he must stay at home or be enrolled in a private kindergarten. Enrollment in a private kindergarten does not mean equal access, she was categorical. She also explained that the compensation that parents receive for a private childcare facility is not within the full fee. She raised the question of what parents do in these situations.