The Central Election Commission has put another early discussion on the table for the 2027 local elections: expanding electronic voting and counting to three or four large municipalities. The move comes through a letter addressed to political parties, in which the institution is seeking not only consultation, but also a clear political position on a process that is often presented as modernization, while remaining dependent on actual technical capacity and guarantees of reliability.
CEC seeks political approval before expansion
According to the official version, the CEC is considering the possibility that in the 2027 local elections, electronic voting and counting technology could be extended to several local government units, mainly large municipalities.
In the letter sent to political parties, the institution argues that it is assessing this step as part of preparations for the next elections and what it calls the modernization of electoral processes. However, the CEC itself acknowledges that decision-making cannot be separated from the position of political parties.
Talk is of 3 or 4 municipalities, not a broad rollout
According to the CEC, taking into account the technical, logistical and administrative aspects, an extension to three or four large municipalities is considered a reasonable and proportionate approach.
This wording shows that the institution is not talking about broad nationwide implementation, but about a limited expansion, conditioned by the ability to administer the process on time and in a sustainable way.
Parties asked for an official position and representatives at meeting
Before the parties present their official position, the CEC has asked them to appoint representatives for a consultative meeting at the institution’s premises.
The meeting is scheduled to be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:30. The parties have also been asked to confirm participation through the CEC’s official email address.
Final decision remains open
At this stage, there is still no final decision on the municipalities where electronic voting and counting could be applied.
According to the CEC, the decision will be linked to the technical and administrative assessment of the process, as well as to the positions that political parties will take. This means that beyond the signal for expansion, the concrete scheme remains at the consultation stage.
The discussion on technology in elections has returned early to the agenda, but for the moment the CEC has opened only a preliminary consultation process with the parties.
Whether this expansion will remain a limited test or turn into a broader model for the 2027 local elections will depend on the decisions expected after the institution’s consultations and assessments.