The CEC cannot correct a result based on video surveillance, nor open the bags and count ballots. This was explained to Nova TV by the chairperson of the Commission, Kamelia Neikova.
„As a citizen, I would say that many of the video surveillance recordings raise questions that it is high time for the legislator to give an answer on how to proceed. As a member of the CEC, I will say that many of the expectations of the Commission are not clothed in a statutory mandate. For example, the call to the CEC to re-count the ballots,”, said Neikova.
She commented on the case of “Velichie”, which lacked 21 votes to cross the 4 percent barrier. On Thursday, in a BNT report, recordings from 4 sections were shown, in which the number 4 of “Greatness” is mentioned several times, and finally it turns out that the recorded votes are entered either a line above or a line below and so have gone to other formations. From these four sections alone, it is a question of 28 votes.
„I want to clearly explain that the CEC does not have the authority as a result of the video surveillance to correct a result entered in the protocol of the CEC”, said Neykova. “Video surveillance was introduced for the purpose of transparency, publicity of the process. But nothing as a consequence has been written into the Electoral Code”, said Neikov.
From now on, everything is in the hands of the court if there is a dispute about the election result. She recalled the case from the village of Malorad and the line "Let's help Martin and Bache Ceno". Neikova explained that there the court declared the election invalid and the vote was taken again.
If the elections are disputed and the court orders a recount of the ballots, then the bags will be opened and the vote they carry will be determined, Neikova explained.
The CEC can report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor's Office. This was also done in the case of Belitsa.
„The Ministry of Internal Affairs can determine whether a crime has been committed. The members of the SEC bear the corresponding responsibility, Neikova also explained.
She also explained that about 220 sections did not broadcast the count. As the reason may be the lack of good internet, but it remains to be seen if there is a recording. If not, members will incur an administrative sanction which is a fine.