Bulgaria's Central Election Commission implements machine voting protocols

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bulgaria has implemented several new protocols for the upcoming presidential elections, where machine voting will be used in over 75% of polling stations. For sections with more than 300 voters, voting will be conducted exclusively via machines.

To ensure transparency and security, machines will now print both individual receipts and summarized protocols of the results. Technical teams and electricity distribution companies are on standby to address potential equipment failures or power outages. If a machine fails and cannot be repaired on-site, the station will revert to paper ballots.

However, the requirement to stamp the machine-printed receipts has sparked debate. Election specialists and the CEC's Public Council have warned that stamping the thin paper receipts could compromise the secrecy of the vote by making the choice visible through the paper. Experts also noted that this requirement, which was not explicitly in the Election Code, could cause delays and unnecessary tension among commission members and voters.