The regional governor of Sofia region Vyara Todeva initiated a working meeting with the institutions involved in the organization and conduct of the parliamentary elections on April 19, in accordance with her powers. The meeting provided an opportunity to report on the work done so far and to raise unresolved issues regarding the organizational and technical preparation of the elections in Sofia region.
The meeting on March 19 was attended by Dimitrina Gerasimova – Head of the APA and GRAO Department, Sofia Municipality; the chairmen of the District Election Commissions in 23, 24 and 25 MIR – Sofia; Senior Commissioner Veselin Getov, Director of the Sofia Directorate “Fire Safety and Population Protection“ (SDPBZN) and Commissioner Plamen Kolev, Head of the Security Police of the State Directorate of Internal Affairs, as well as their deputies; representatives of “Information Service“ AD; deputy regional governors of Sofia region - Albena Ivanova - Palpurina and Dr. Daniela Tsvetkova, as well as employees of the regional administration.
The REC will accept the election papers and materials for the conduct of the elections from the Sectional Election Commissions in the «Asics Arena» hall for 24 RECs and the «Arena 8888 Sofia» hall for 23 and 25 RECs.
By order of the Regional Governor, the State Directorate of Internal Affairs and the SDPBZN have been assigned to conduct an inspection of the halls. A contract for a place for receiving, storing and distributing ballots and election papers is pending, and an order for its designation and inspection will be issued.
The order of the Regional Governor to the SDVR has also been issued to assist in preserving public order and security in connection with the organizational and technical preparation of the elections, including on the day of the vote until its conclusion. The SDVR should also prepare the routes along which the ballot papers will be transported.
The task of providing backup lighting in the halls where the REC will accept the ballot papers and materials, preparing for printing the preference forms and information boards, authorizing employees from the regional administration who will receive the ballots from the BNB Printing House, assigning the wiring of the premises where the REC will accept the protocols from the SIC, assigning the delivery of stationery and hygiene supplies for the work of the REC, as well as the transport for the members of the REC to the halls and then to the CEC and the GRAO is pending.
The task of making the bags in which the ballot papers are placed for storage and the bags and boxes for the pieces with the ballot numbers has been assigned. The stamps under Art. 287 of the Electoral Code – have already been handed over to the Sofia Municipality, as well as the envelopes for sealing the seals of the Electoral Commission.
The procedures under the Public Procurement Act for the installation of screens and for the preparation of election papers are in the process of being announced, and a procedure under the Public Procurement Act for the delivery of food and refreshments for the members of the REC on election night has already been announced.
The Sofia District Administration will contact the Sofia Municipality to provide ambulances for the halls where the papers will be accepted on election night, as well as cars in front of the work address of each REC on election day.
„I wish all those involved in the organization of the elections professionalism, good coordination and responsibility. Let us, with joint efforts, guarantee a fair, transparent and secure election process that inspires confidence in citizens“, said Vyara Todeva.