Bulgaria's Central Election Commission warns of expired voting machine warranties

The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Bulgaria has announced that the voting machines intended for use in the upcoming October elections have expired warranties. The CEC stated that approximately 9,800 machines are required for the vote.

Spokesperson Stoyanka Balova noted that the commission is preparing technical specifications for a public procurement process to address maintenance and repairs. The goal is to have the machines in working order and certified by election day.

Election law expert Mikhail Konstantinov warned that the expired warranties could lead to hundreds of machines becoming non-functional, noting that over one hundred machines failed during previous cycles.

Regarding election logistics, voting will be conducted via machine in all polling stations with more than 300 voters, while stations with fewer than 300 voters will use paper ballots. Key upcoming deadlines include October 10, which is the deadline for citizens to request voting at their current address or for persons with disabilities to request mobile polling stations.