Bulgaria launches presidential election campaign with record candidates

Bulgaria has officially entered the presidential election campaign period, featuring a record 27 pairs of candidates. The Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed that voting will be conducted almost entirely via machines, with approximately 12,800 machines prepared for use. To prevent technical issues, the CEC noted that the paper used in machines will be significantly thinner as it does not hold the status of an official ballot.

Among the diverse field of candidates, Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev launched their campaign in Sofia, emphasizing a vision for a stable and independent Bulgaria. In a more unconventional entry, folk singer Vanya Velikova and reality star Panayot Kuchukov announced their serious intentions to run, targeting younger voters via platforms like TikTok.

The CEC is currently conducting final checks on candidates to ensure they meet constitutional requirements. One recent substitution occurred after a vice-presidential candidate was disqualified due to birth citizenship. Additionally, the commission is managing media packages for candidates who do not receive state subsidies, with 155 media outlets already registered to participate.