Bulgarian presidential candidates register for October elections

Major presidential candidates in Bulgaria have officially begun the registration process for the upcoming elections scheduled for October 25, 2026. Two primary competing pairs, Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev, alongside Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev, scheduled their document submissions to the Central Election Commission (CEC) for the same time on Monday.

The initiative committee for Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev submitted over 9,000 signatures. Yotova was not personally present at the CEC, as she was in New York representing Bulgaria at the 81st UN General Assembly. Her running mate, Kiril Valchev, attended the submission and noted that Yotova’s decision to seek the presidency was based on a desire for social consensus and institutional trust.

Simultaneously, Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev submitted their registration documents, supported by over 6,000 signatures. Gyurov emphasized a campaign focused on direct engagement with citizens and the goal of providing an independent presidency.

The registration deadline is September 22, with other parties, including Vazrazhdane, expected to announce their candidates by that date.