Members of a closed Viber group in Burgas are being urged to vote in the presidential election by 09:00 and to find a pollster themselves so their vote is counted in the exit poll. The Burgas Regional Election Commission has been told.

The group has about 60 members. The plan was made the day before the election. Members were to tell a pollster who they voted for, so their answers would go into the polling agencies' data.

The chat names one specific pair of candidates for president and vice president.

The Burgas commission calls the practice bad for election day, but says it should not directly change the results.

Such a move can distort the picture of public opinion and sway voters on the day itself. A pair that seems to have strong backing from voters looks like the front-runner and can win over the undecided. A sense that the winner is already settled can also rally support for another candidate.

On election day, many early figures, forecasts and results spread from various sources. Publishing them before voting ends is banned, but some reach the media and social networks and can influence people who have not yet voted.