Bulgaria Declares Day of Reflection in Elections Eve

A day of reflection is held in Bulgaria Saturday in the eve of the October 23 presidential and local elections when campaigning under any form is banned.

The Election Code does not allow placing campaign materials such as posters and brochures of different political parties, coalitions, and initiative committees inside voting polls or within 50 meters from the building where it is located – this rule is effective until the closing of the polls.

The announcement of data and results from polling agencies is also banned.

6.5 million Bulgarians can vote Sunday for nearly 30 000 candidates for local mayors and municipal councilors while 6.9 (because this includes the vote abroad) can elect the country's new president among a total of 18 hopefuls.

Voting begins at 6 am Sunday and ends at 7 pm, but if there is a line at the voting poll at closing time it will remain open until 8 pm.

There will be 11 382 voting polls in Bulgaria. Those abroad can vote to elect the president and the vice president of the country in 161 voting polls in 58 countries – the expats who did not register to vote can still cast a ballot at the closest poll if they wish to do so.

Hunting is also banned on Election Day under a recommendation of the Interior Ministry with hunters being compensated by extending the hunting season with two extra days.