"Thousands gathered in the Bulgarian capital on Wednesday night to demand 100 percent machine voting at the upcoming parliamentary elections amid concerns over electoral manipulation by governing parties. The early vote was triggered by mass anti-corruption protests throughout the country, which saw the resignation of PM Rosen Zhelyazkov - and which left the country without a government as it joined the eurozone in January. Footage from Independence Square shows large crowds waving flashlights, singing the national anthem and chanting. Protesters held placards reading 'you won't ruin these elections' and 'we won't let them lie to us.' "The only guarantor for preserving the freedom of the vote is us, the free citizens on this square and throughout the country. Will we let them commit the biggest election theft of the 21st century?" asked Velislav Velichkov, a representative of the Justice for All organisation. The demonstration, dubbed 'Machines Against Pigs,' targets Bulgaria's political leaders, who critics accuse of using paper ballots to manipulate election results. Governing parties counter-claimed that machines could be tampered with, but protesters argue that machines make elections more transparent and secure. "Democracy is defended every day, but the most important day it is defended is election day. So let us protect the elections together," said Bozhidar Bozhanov, Co-chairman of the 'Yes, Bulgaria' party . Bulgaria is preparing for early parliamentary elections, marking the country's eighth national vote in five years. The repeated elections were triggered following massive protests about government corruption. Demonstrations intensified after a budget proposal by the governing coalition, which protesters claimed was an attempt to divert attention from the corruption row. Although the government later withdrew the plan, demonstrations continued leading to the downfall of the current administration last month."