site.btaFormal Launch of Campaign for October 2 Early Elections

The campaign for Bulgaria's October 2 early parliamentary elections officially started at 00:00 (midnight) on Friday, 30 days ahead of polling day.

The 22 parties, 6 coalitions and 2 nomination committees that have registered for the race will try to persuade the several million voters at home and abroad to pick their candidates for the 240 seats in the next, 48th Ordinary National Assembly.

The 30 contestants will be expected to propose ways of addressing the numerous crises that have hit the country: scarcity of energy resources as the winter approaches, galloping inflation outpacing income growth, and the ongoing war in Ukraine just several hundred kilometres to the northeast. The political forces will also have to encourage their supporters to go to the polls despite voter fatigue, as these will be Bulgaria's fourth early legislative elections since April 2021.

Canvassing must be conducted in Bulgarian only and will end at 24:00 on September 30.

Citizens, parties, coalitions, nomination committees, candidates and election agents are free to canvas orally and in writing at rallies and through media service providers. The contestants are entitled to equal access to the sources of information they need for the purposes of the campaign.

The Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) are bound to cover objectively and fairly the appearance of registered candidates, respecting their equal standing and significance on the basis of rules to be adopted by the Central Election Commission. TV and radio coverage of the campaign takes the form of spots, debates and in other formats during a time appointed for this purpose. The BNT and BNR programme services may not be used for campaign purposes outside this time.

During the campaign, BTA must distribute the decisions of the Central Election Commission and ensure non-discrimination of the registered parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered for the elections as it covers the campaign.

Campaign meetings are organized according to the law, and their organizers and the Interior Ministry authorities are responsible for maintaining order there.

Properly placed canvassing materials may not be destroyed until the close of the polls. Campaign-related anonymous materials may not be published. It is prohibited to use canvassing materials endangering public health, property and road safety, prejudicial to good morals, damaging candidates' honour and reputation, using Bulgarian and/or foreign national symbols, religious signs or images. Public transport may not be used for canvassing. Canvassing is prohibited at central and local government institutions and at wholly or partly state-owned and municipal-owned enterprises and companies. Ministers of religion may not engage in canvassing. Commercial advertising may not be used to canvas in favour or against a contestant.