Bulgaria, Presidential Election, 25 October 2026

Following an invitation to observe the 25 October 2026 presidential election, and in accordance with its mandate, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) undertook a Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) from 1 to 4 September 2026. The NAM was composed of Ranko Vukčević, ODIHR Election Adviser, and Kakha Inaishvili, ODIHR Election Adviser.

The purpose of the NAM was to assess the pre-election environment and preparations for the presidential election. Based on this assessment, the NAM recommends whether to deploy an ODIHR election-related activity for the forthcoming election and, if so, what type of activity best meets the identified needs. The NAM held meetings with officials from state institutions as well as with representatives of parliamentary political parties, media, and civil society. A list of interlocutors is annexed to this report.