2026 Bulgarian presidential election

The president of Bulgaria is elected through a two-round system; if no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the first round or a candidate receives a majority of the vote but voter turnout is below 50%, a second round run-off is held between the top two candidates. No candidate has ever won in the first round. Since 2016 a none of the above option is also present on the ballot. In order to stand as a candidate a person must be a Bulgarian citizen holding no other nationality, be at least 40 years of age by election day and have resided in the country for the previous five years. == Background ==

Former presidents Georgi Parvanov and Rumen Radev, are ineligible to be elected to a third term, as Constitution prohibits any person from being elected president more than twice. PP–DB are expected to hold a primary election to select their presidential candidate, similar to the 1996 ODS presidential primary. == Candidates ==

Party-backed potential candidates The following parties or coalitions have announced their support for a candidate: • BSPOL for Iliana Iotova, President of Bulgaria (2026–present), Vice President (2017–2026), MEP (2007–2017), MP (2005–2007). File:President Iliyana Yotova (3x4 cropped).jpg| Potential candidates The following notable individuals have been suggested as potential candidates by influential members of their respective parties or coalitions: PP–DB • Nikolai Denkov, Prime Minister (2023–2024), MP (2022–2023, 2024–present), Minister of Education and Science (2017, 2021–2022). • Blagomir Kotsev, Mayor of Varna (2023–present). • Andrey Gyurov, caretaker Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2026), vice-governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (2023-2026), MP (2021-2023). GERB–SDS • Rosen Zhelyazkov, Prime Minister (2025–2026), MP (2021–2025), Minister of Transport (2018-2021). • Raya Nazaryan, Speaker of Parliament (2024, 2025–present), MP (2022–present). File:Nikolai Denkov official portrait.jpg| File:Blagomir Kotsev Portrait (3x4 cropped).jpg| File:Deputy governor gurov bg.jpg|alt=Andrey Gyurov| File:Rosen Zhelyazkov and Iliana Ivanova (cropped 2).jpg| File:Raya Nazaryan (51NS).png| Declined to be candidates The following notable individuals have been the subject of speculation about their possible candidacy, but have publicly denied interest in running: GERB–SDS • Boyko Borisov, Prime Minister (2009–2013, 2014–2017, 2017–2021), MP (2005, 2013–2014, 2017, 2023–present), mayor of Sofia (2005–2009). PP–DB • Vasil Terziev, mayor of Sofia (2023–present). File:Бойко Борисов (52111618357).jpg|alt=Boyko Borisov| File:Васил Терзиев (cropped).jpg|alt=Vasil Terziev| Velichie Ivelin Mihaylov, MP (2024-2026), businessman. Former presidents • Rosen Plevneliev, President (2012–2017), Minister of Regional Development (2009–2011). • Petar Stoyanov, President (1997–2002), MP (1995–1996, 2005–2007). File:BG President Rosen Plevneliev (cropped).JPG|alt=Rosen Plevneliev| File:Petar stoyanov (1).jpg| == References ==