site.btaState Initiates 45 Pre-Trial Proceedings Related to Election Violations

As of Friday morning, 45 pre-trial proceedings related to election violations have been initiated in the country, caretaker Minister of the Interior Emil Dechev reported on Friday. Dechev introduced the new director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior, Senior Commissioner Ivan Rusev.

He said that the number of such proceedings before the previous elections was significantly lower. He stated: "I have no doubt that the Bulgarian police can work successfully both in preventing election crimes and in investigating them."

He noted that during his trip to Sliven, new reports had come in regarding uncovered cases, including lists of names and cash found on private property in the Sofia region, allegedly linked to vote-buying.

The Minister noted that the specific measures to be taken cannot be disclosed so as not to hinder the work of law enforcement agencies. He reported that both preventive actions and measures to gather hard evidence in the investigation of crimes will be implemented.

Dechev reported that employer-controlled vote remains more difficult to counter, as it requires insider information.

The Minister emphasized the importance of cooperation with non-governmental organizations and investigative journalists. "They are our allies, and we are ready to work with them and take seriously any information regarding attempts to buy votes, exert pressure, as well as specific individuals and locations," he added.