The “Hush-Hush” System in Targovishte: How Ivaylo Lazarov Exposed a Conflict of Interest in the Regional Election Commission

Consultations for the Regional Election Commission

Member of Parliament Ivaylo Lazarov participates in consultations for the formation of the Regional Election Commission in the Targovishte district. The regional governor, Yoan Peev, chairs the meeting. Representatives of political parties begin the session at ten thirty in the morning. The regional governor announces a short break, giving participants time to reach agreement on leadership positions. Representatives of the other parties hold private discussions among themselves. They withdraw their candidates and leave only Diana Ignatova from the Bulgarian Socialist Party as the sole candidate for chairperson. She has traditionally held this position during many previous elections.

Actions of the “Velichie” Party

Ivaylo Lazarov refuses to participate in what he describes as the prior arrangements of the other parties. The MP nominates attorney Dobri Kovachev for chairperson of the commission, arguing that the candidate possesses the necessary legal education. Lazarov presents an official document to the regional governor, which he states proves a clear conflict of interest concerning the Socialist Party’s nominee. The MP lists the following points:

• Diana Ignatova has an active legal assistance contract with the Targovishte municipality.
• The document carries an official registration number for verification.
• The Central Election Commission is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the presented information.

Legal Consequences and Next Steps

The regional governor expresses strong surprise at the evidence presented. Due to the lack of consensus, he records both nominations in the official protocol. The institution transfers the final decision to the Central Election Commission. A legal expert from the “Velichie” party explains the following legal procedures:

1. The Central Election Commission will request verification under the Anti-Corruption Law through the National Audit Office.
2. The commission will remove the candidate if the conflict of interest is confirmed.
3. The “Velichie” party will appeal the decision before the Supreme Administrative Court if the Socialist Party representative is ultimately appointed.

Reactions of Participants

Representatives of the other political forces show significant dissatisfaction with Ivaylo Lazarov’s actions. They accuse the MP of causing the lack of prior agreement. The regional governor notes that he has not encountered similar situations in his previous practice. Lazarov responds firmly to those present, declaring the readiness of the “Velichie” party to strictly monitor compliance with the law and to expose any violations in the electoral process.