Turnout in Bulgaria's Election Rises Sharply

Nearly a third of Bulgarian voters had cast a ballot in Sunday's presidential elections as of 13:00 local time (EET), authorities say.

Activity was 26.2% as of that hour, much above the rate registered in 2011 when it was 17.64%, according to Central Election Commission (CEC) data.

At 10:00 the turnout was slightly above 10.3%.

Nearly 22% have voted in the three-point referendum on the voting system as of that hour, considerably up from 8.68% at 10:00.

It is in the afternoon, by 17:00 local time (EET), that voter activity registers the sharpest rise.

This year, however, voting is compulsory under recent amendments. Some pollisters forecast the turnout will surpass 65% over the course of the day.