A week after the end of Bulgaria's presidential race, one of the main contestants, former EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, has made a bid to stay in Bulgarian politics.

Kuneva gathered some 14% of the first round vote October 23, remaining third between ruling GERB party candidate Rosen Plevneliev (who won the runoff last Sunday), with 40%, and Bulgarian Socialist Party representative Ivaylo Kalfin, 29%.

"1 million Bulgarians were not heard on those elections. Those are the people I want to care for in the future," said Kuneva Sunday.

"Many people decided not to vote for establishment candidates on those elections," commented the European Commissioner for Consumer Protection in the first Barroso college.

Sunday Kuneva reiterated her reasons for having refused to back either Plevneliev or Kalfin at the second round.

"I think that it is bad for Bulgaria if all positions of power are taken up by one single party, in this case GERB. I think that it is also bad if for a third successive term the presidential position is occupied by a representative of one single party, namely the Socialists."

Kuneva was also critical of what were seen as widespread irregularities during the elections, saying the government should be working for a smoother and more democratic election process in the future.

Regarding her plans, Kuneva said she will not discontinue her European engagements as adviser to Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, but will also work in Bulgaria.

"I'll meet the people who supported me on the vote, and I'll be asking them how their lives changed after the elections," said Kuneva.