Media and Elections

Bulgaria

ME037

Question:	What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):	a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:	The amended Electoral Code provides for electoral contestants to be allocated free airtime equally on public television and radio. Contestants will be entitled to air initial and closing campaign spots and to participate in debates.
Source:	Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 178,193,189 OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT page 7 http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/122987?download=true
Verified:	2014/10/03

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ME059

Question:	Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):	a. Yes, in presidential elections b. Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:	The Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio provide the parties, coalitions and initiative committees, registered candidates, television and radio debates free to agreed topics with a total duration not less than 240 minutes. It also provides a total of at least 60 minutes during radio and television programs, respectively in regional broadcasts of radio and television centers, free debates between representatives of parties, coalitions and initiative committees , registered candidates.
Source:	Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 189, 195, 196:1 http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Verified:	2014/10/01

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ME062

Question:	What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:	a. 1 day
Comments:	Results of public opinion polls in connection with the elections may not be made public in any form whatsoever during a period commencing 24 hours in advance of polling day and ending upon the declaration of the closing of the polls within the territory of Bulgaria.
Source:	Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 205 (5) http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified:	2014/10/02

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ME080

Question:	Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:	d. Not applicable
Comments:	restriction on the total amount of funding for campaign of parties, coalitions and initiative committees
Source:	Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 165
Verified:	2014/10/03

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