Bulgaria Opposition Questions Validity of Local Vote

Socialist party spokesperson Atanas Merdzhanov has accused ruling GERB party of using its influence to manipulate results of local elections, as exit polls suggested a secure victory for incumbent Yordanka Fandakova.

Mihail Mirchev, the socialist opponent to Fandakova, later told the Bulgarian National Television elections held on Sunday were "absurd", with GERB and its Deputy Chairman being able to produce "whatever results they want."

Aleksandar Andreev, from the Central Electoral Commission, has downplayed the accusations.

Official results are not to be expected in the next few yours.