site.btaCentral Election Commission Sets Rules for Observer Participation in April Elections

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has adopted the terms and procedure for the participation of observers in the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19, 2026, the CEC said on Thursday.

The CEC will accept applications for the registration of observers until 5:00 p.m. on April 17.

Observers must be expressly authorized representatives of registered Bulgarian non-governmental organizations. Eligible Bulgarian NGOs must be associations registered in the public interest and have, as part of their scope of activity, the protection of citizens' political rights.

Foreign observers may include representatives of the European Parliament, foreign national parliaments, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and other parliamentary assemblies, as well as representatives of foreign political parties and non-governmental organizations. Individuals who are not Bulgarian citizens and who are nominated by parties, coalitions or initiative committees that have registered candidates for the elections may also serve as observers.

The CEC will publish on its website a register of observers containing the organizations and authorized representatives registered for the elections. Access to personal data in the register will be provided in compliance with personal data protection requirements.

The April 19 parliamentary elections will be the eighth national vote held in Bulgaria since 2021.