CCTV Malfunctions Mar Bulgarian Elections
The Bulgarian Central Election Commission (CEC) has revealed that 63 out of 11,626 polling stations designated for CCTV monitoring lacked live video feeds and recording during the October 27th snap elections. This information was provided by Information Services, the national system integrator for Bulgaria's electoral process.
The CEC will now instruct district election commissions to gather information from precinct commissions and issue reports on any administrative violations. Deputy chairperson and spokesperson Rositsa Mateva explained that while internet connectivity issues could explain the lack of real-time video, the equipment should have still recorded footage that could be downloaded and published later.
Adding to the confusion, data discrepancies exist for an additional 10 polling stations, leaving it unclear whether recordings were made. This has prompted calls for the election's annulment from the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), There is Such a People (ITN), MECH, and Velichie parties. With 67 votes combined, these parties surpass the 41 MP signatures required to refer the case to the Constitutional Court.