site.btaCentral Election Commission Adopts Timeline for April 19 Snap Parliamentary Elections

The Central Election Commission (CEC) announced Thursday that it has adopted a timeline for the snap parliamentary elections on April 19, 2026. The announcement came shortly after the Office of the President announced that Head of State Iliana Iotova had signed a decree scheduling elections for the National Assembly on April 19.

Here is the timeline:

By February 20

Central Election Commission sets the conditions and procedures for:

• opening polling stations abroad
• organizing voting by Bulgarian citizens outside the country
• Information is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

February 24 – March 4

Parties and coalitions submit applications to register for the elections. Applications are accepted on working days from 09:30 to 17:00.

By March 4

The CEC:

• registers parties and coalitions for participation in the elections;
• determines the terms and conditions for conducting the election campaign.

March 17

Regional Election Commissions register candidate lists for members of parliament.

March 18

The CEC assigns ballot numbers to parties and coalitions by drawing lots and announces them publicly.

March 20

Election campaign officially begins at 00:00.

By March 24

Bulgarian citizens wishing to vote outside the country submit a declaration:

in writing, using the prescribed form, or
electronically via the CEC website.

April 19, Election Day

Voting in Bulgaria:

07:00 – 20:00, extended to 21:00 if voters are still waiting.

Voting abroad:

07:00 – 20:00 local time, extended to 21:00 if necessary.