CEC determines the composition of the RIC for the elections on October 25, 2026.

Preparation for the 2026 Presidential Elections

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has adopted a decision to determine the composition of the District Election Commissions (DEC) for the upcoming presidential elections on October 25, 2026. The deadline for regional governors to submit the lists of members is August 30.

If no agreement is reached during the consultations, the CEC will officially appoint the composition of the DEC based on the proposals of the parties and coalitions.

Quotas and Distribution of Members

• Commissions with 13 members (up to 9 mandates): Distributed according to parliamentary representation (PB – 6, GERB-SDS – 2, PP-DB – 2, DPS – 2, Vazrazhdane – 1).
• Commissions with 17 members (over 10 mandates): PB – 8, GERB-SDS – 3, PP-DB – 3, DPS – 2, Vazrazhdane – 1.

The commissions will perform their functions in the period from September 5 to November 8.

Main Requirements for DEC Members

According to the Electoral Code, no political force may have a majority in the commission. For leadership positions (chairperson, deputy chairpersons, and secretary), it is mandatory that they be from different parties.

Prohibitions and Restrictions:

• Prohibition on campaign agitation and wearing party insignia.
• Members cannot have a family relationship with candidates for president or vice president.
• Cohabitation or direct line kinship between members of the same DEC is not permitted.
• It is recommended that members be legal professionals.