Police and national security agency DANS are carrying out a large-scale operation against vote-buying and other violations of electoral law, Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has said. 

 

Borisov told private national NOVA TV station on Friday morning that a special operation had been underway since 06:00 local time (EEST) to guarantee fair elections. 

 

"Over 1000 are to be detained," Borisov added, but did not elaborate. 

 

Focus News Agency reported the operation was being carried out in the areas of Veliko Tarnovo, Kyustendil, Burgas, Varna, Razgrad, Pazardzhik, Vidin, and Plovdiv. 

 

Borisov also explained: "of course, an investigation has been ongoing for some time, because we cannot detained them without any reason."

 

On Sunday Bulgaria is holding local elections to pick mayors and municipal councilors, along with a referendum on electronic voting.