The 1 November runoff will decide whether Iliana Yotova or Andrey Gyurov becomes Bulgaria's seventh president. The Central Election Commission must announce the final results within three days, by Wednesday 4 November.

Under the constitution, the new president and vice president take the oath before parliament, usually on 19 January. The current head of state stays in office until the new one takes over.

More on this story: Election commission draws lots tomorrow to decide whether Yotova or Gyurov speaks first before runoff

The official handover is on 22 January. The ceremony starts with a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As supreme commander of the armed forces, the new president receives a report from the chief of defence. The outgoing head of state then hands over power in the Coat of Arms Hall at the presidency, and the five-year term begins.

The protocol dates from 1992. On that day Zhelyu Zhelev, the first president elected directly by the people, entered the building at 2 Dondukov Street.