By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova vetoed amendments to the Electoral Code on Wednesday that limit voting rights for citizens abroad, returning the law to parliament for reconsideration.
The presidency said Yotova opposed provisions capping the number of polling stations in countries outside the EU, arguing the changes undermine constitutional guarantees.
Under the adopted amendments, a maximum of 20 polling stations would be allowed outside diplomatic and consular missions regardless of the number of applications.
"The changes thus adopted put at risk the principle of universality of suffrage promulgated in Article 10 of the Constitution," said Yotova, warning that the measures could create barriers for Bulgarian voters abroad and "violate the principle of equality."
She said Bulgarians living outside the EU would be placed at a disadvantage, despite the Constitution guaranteeing equal voting rights for all citizens regardless of residence.
Yotova also warned the changes could erode public trust in the integrity of the electoral process.