A large public demonstration in central Sofia demanded the introduction of fully machine-based voting for the upcoming parliamentary elections, with organisers warning that any return to paper-based elements would open the door to manipulation. The protest was organised by the opposition coalition "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) and received backing from all opposition parties represented in the 51st National Assembly, as well as several extra-parliamentary formations.

Demand for fully machine voting

The demonstrators gathered at the so-called Triangle of Power under the slogan “You Will Not Rig These Elections Either.” Their central demand was clear: elections should be conducted entirely through machines, without paper ballots, printers or optical scanners. According to the organisers, proposals to introduce scanning devices or to replace the current machines shortly before the vote would create confusion and preserve existing fraud schemes, while also being impossible to implement properly within the remaining time.

To underline their concerns, a stage with a large video screen was set up, where a Bulgarian National Television report was shown highlighting irregularities linked to paper voting in previous elections.

Criticism of scanners and paper ballots

Speakers repeatedly argued that paper ballots are the main source of election fraud. Ivaylo Belchev said that only a completely machine-based system could prevent manipulation, noting that a significant share of votes are declared invalid. In his words, scanners would not solve the problem, as all known schemes involving paper ballots would remain in place.

Other protesters shared similar views. One participant said that even older voters can easily use voting machines and that recordings from past elections clearly show ballot tampering after polling stations close. Another demonstrator stressed that machine voting is the only realistic way to guarantee transparent and fair elections in Bulgaria.

According to WCC-DB, the push for scanners is deliberate, as it allows room for interference in the counting process. Bozhidar Bozhanov stated that scanners either lead back to full paper voting or keep vote-buying mechanisms intact.

Political accusations and sharp rhetoric

Ivaylo Mirchev accused Boyko Borissov of lacking independent political will and acting in line with the wishes of Delyan Peevski. He said that declarations in favour of fair elections mean nothing unless they are backed by support for 100 percent machine voting, a system that, as he reminded, was initially introduced by Borissov’s own political camp.