Voting in the municipal elections on law amendments caused chaos in Bulgarian Parliament today, with opposition parties leaving the parliamentary hall, Focus news agency reported.

The MPs failed to agree on the definition in the law regarding residence principles for voting.

The residence voting principle, which states that citizens will be allowed to vote only if they have lived in the country for a certain period of time, was approved a margin of only one vote.

Spokesperson of the Parliament Georgi Pirinski suggested the law with the amendments to be voted on three times, and Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) threatened to appeal before the Constitutional Court.

Opposition parties said that the third vote would render the earlier two votes pointless, and would abolish the residence voting principle.

The MPs were confused about what had been approved and what had not, Focus said.

United Democratic Forces MP Yane Yanev said that the Bulgarian Socialist Party and MRF wanted a re-vote, because of the residential voting principle.

Democrats for Strong Bulgaria MP Ekaterina Mihailova said that the Parliament had “turned into a farce,” when the second reading of the law was renewed.

Still, the voting took place, Focus said.

Those who wish to vote in the municipal elections now must have a 10-month address registration in the municipality where they will vote.

The Parliament session was closed. The next session will be held on September 12 2007.