Political Finance Database

Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 4. any funds from any foreign governments or from any foreign state-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organizations.

(2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1).

Source: Article 24 (1-2), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art.168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 3. financial resources from non-resident natural persons, with the exception of the persons who are nationals of another Member State of the European Union, who are enfranchised under this Code; ... 5. financial resources from foreign governments or from foreign State-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organisations.

(2) The entities referred to in Items 2 to 5 of Paragraph (1) may not provide any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign, or any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever."

Source: Article 168 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ... 4. any funds from any foreign governments or from any foreign state-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organizations.

(2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1).

Source: Article 24 (1-2), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders; ... 5. financial resources from foreign governments or from foreign State-owned enterprises, foreign commercial corporations or foreign non-profit organisations.
(2) The entities referred to in Items 2 to 5 of Paragraph (1) may not provide any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign, or any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever."

Source: Article 168 (1) and (2), the Election Code, 2014

Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ... 

(2) Political parties may not receive any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use, nor any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever, from the entities referred to in Items 2, 3 and 4 of Paragraph (1)."

Source: Article 24 (1-2), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders; ... 
(2) The entities referred to in Items 2 to 5 of Paragraph (1) may not provide any movable and immovable things for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign, or any gratuitous services in any form whatsoever."

Source: Article 168 (1) and (2), the Election Code, 2014

Art. 24. "(1) Political parties may not receive: 1. any anonymous donations in any form whatsoever; ..."

Source: Article 24 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 168. "(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: 1. anonymous contributions in any form whatsoever;..."

Source: Article 168 (1), the Election Code, 2014

"(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ..."

Source: Article 24 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders;..."

Source: Article 168 (1), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) Political parties may not receive: ... 2. any funds from any legal persons and from any sole traders; ..."

Source: Article 24 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) A party, a coalition or a nomination committee may not receive the following in connection with the election campaign: ... 2. financial resources from legal persons and from sole traders;..."

Source: Article 168 (1), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 168. "(3) It shall be prohibited to use public administrative resources gratuitously in connection with the election campaign."

Supplementary provisions. Art. 18. "Public administrative resources shall be on-budget resources, premises, automobiles, airplanes and other means of transport, equipment and other movable and immovable things constituting State or municipal property, allocated to the administration, the central and local government authorities, and the State-owned and municipal-owned enterprises, as well as the work of administration employees.?

Source: Article 168 (3) and Art. 18 (see chapter Supplementary provisions), The Election Code, 2014

"(4) Political parties may not use free of charge any public administrative resource." 

Supplementary provisions. Art. 7. "Public administrative resource shall denote funds from the public budget. premises, automobiles, aircraft and other transport vehicles, equipment and other movable and immovable assets - in state and municipal ownership, made available to the administration, to state and local bodies and to state and local enterpsirses, as well as the labour of the administration employees."

Source: Article 24 (4) and Art. 7 (see chapter Supplementary provisions), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(2) The donation from any single natural person for one calendar year may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 23 (2), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(2) The donation from any single natural person for one calendar year may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 23 (2), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) The contribution by one natural person to one party or coalition may not exceed BGN 10,000 for one calendar year. (2) The contribution by one natural person to one nomination committee and the candidate or, respectively, candidates registered thereby may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 167 (1-2), the Election Code, 2014

"(1) The contribution by one natural person to one party or coalition may not exceed BGN 10,000 for one calendar year. (2) The contribution by one natural person to one nomination committee and the candidate or, respectively, candidates registered thereby may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 167 (1-2), the Election Code, 2014

"(1) The contribution by one natural person to one party or coalition may not exceed BGN 10,000 for one calendar year. (2) The contribution by one natural person to one nomination committee and the candidate or, respectively, candidates registered thereby may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 167 (1-2), the Election Code, 2014

"(1) The contribution by one natural person to one party or coalition may not exceed BGN 10,000 for one calendar year. (2) The contribution by one natural person to one nomination committee and the candidate or, respectively, candidates registered thereby may not exceed BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 167 (1-2), the Election Code, 2014

"(5) Any non-cash revenue referred to in Paragraph (1) shall be measured under the procedure of Article 26 (2) of the Accountancy Act."

Source: Article 23 (6), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(3) Natural persons may provide only own movable and immovable things to a party, coalition or nomination for gratuitous use in connection with the election campaign.

(4) Natural persons may provide gratuitous services only performed through work done in person to a party, a coalition or a nomination committee in connection with the election campaign."

Source: Article 167 (3-4), the Election Code, 2014

Art. 22. "(1) Political parties may not carry out any economic activities, except in the cases referred to in Item 6 of Article 23 (1) herein. (2) Political parties shall have no right to incorporate and to hold participating interests in any commercial corporations and cooperatives."

Article 23. (1) Revenue from own sources of political parties shall be any proceeds accruing from: ... 6. publishing, copyright and use of intellectual property, as well as from the sale and distribution of printed, audio and audio-visual material of a party propaganda content."

Source: Articles 22 (1-2) and 23 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(3) Political parties may contract loans from banks to an amount not exceeding two-thirds of the revenue for the last preceding calendar year as reported to the National Audit Office.

(4) The revenue referred to in Paragraph (3) shall include the state subsidy and the revenue referred to in Items 1, 2, 5 and 6 of Paragraph (1)."

Source: Article 23 (3-4), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art.170. "(1) The financing of any financial resources raised and spent in connection with the election campaign in an amount exceeding BGN 1,000 shall be effected by bank transfer.

(2) Where the amount of the financial resources contributed or provided exceeds BGN 1,000, the Bulgarian National Audit Office shall check the correspondence between the amount of the financial resources contributed or provided for the relevant election campaign and the amount of the income of the person. The check shall cover the period from the conduct of the previous elections of the same type to the day of submission of the relevant declaration under Article 169 (1) or (2) herein."

Source: Article 170 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 25. "(1) A state subsidy shall be allocated annually in four equal tranches from the central government budget to finance the political parties or coalitions which are registered at the Central Election Commission for participation in elections, which have participated in the latest parliamentary elections, and which have elected National Representatives."

Art. 26. "A state subsidy shall furthermore be allocated annually to parties which are not represented in the National Assembly but which have received not less than 1 per cent of all valid votes at the latest parliamentary elections".

Source: Articles 25 (1) and 26, The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 25. "(1) A state subsidy shall be allocated annually in four equal tranches from the central government budget to finance the political parties or coalitions which are registered at the Central Election Commission for participation in elections, which have participated in the latest parliamentary elections, and which have elected National Representatives."

Art. 26. "A state subsidy shall furthermore be allocated annually to parties which are not represented in the National Assembly but which have received not less than 1 per cent of all valid votes at the latest parliamentary elections".

Source: Articles 25 (1) and 26, The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 25. "(2) The sum total provided for in the budget shall be distributed in proportion to the valid votes received by each party or coalition."

Art. 27. "(1) The aggregate amount committed for subsidization of political parties and coalitions shall be fixed annually in the State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria Act depending on the number of valid votes received by parties and coalitions at the latest parliamentary elections, with a subsidy determined every year with the State Budget of the Republic of Bulgaria Act being committed for each vote received.

(2) The manner of provision of the funds for subsidization of parties and coalitions shall be determined by the Minister of Finance."

Art.28. "(1) Each political party shall receive the portion thereto appertaining of the annual state subsidy in four parts, payable on or before the 30th day of April, on or before the 30th day of June, on or before the 30th day of September, and on or before the 20th day of December of the relevant year."

Source: Articles 25 (2), 27 (1-2)  and 28 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) Political parties shall spend the funds thereof on preparation and participation in elections, to ensure the operation of party chapters, on organizational expenses for the conduct of events, and on other expenses inherent to the activity of the party."

Source: Articles 29 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy."

Source: Article 178 (1), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy. ...

(3) The resources for the media packages referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be for the account of the State budget and shall be used to pay for the different paid forms of coverage of the election campaign through the media service providers.

(4) The Central Election Commission shall pay for the various paid forms of coverage of the election campaign until depletion of the financial resources of the party, coalition or nomination committee referred to in Paragraph (1) or (2). ...

(6) The parties, coalitions and nomination committees shall make public the financial resources for the media packages, which have been paid for the coverage of the campaign appearances of the candidates thereof, in the register referred to in Article 171 herein and shall account for the said resources in the report referred to in Article 172 (1) herein."

Source: Article 178 (1), (3), (4) and (6), The Election Code, 2014

Art.178. "(1) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the parties and coalitions which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and in all constituencies upon elections of National Representatives and which are not entitled to State subsidy under the Political Parties Act. Any coalition in which parties entitled to State subsidy according to the procedure established by the Political Parties Act participate shall be provided with financial resources for media packages in an amount proportionate to the share of the parties participating in the coalition which are not entitled to State subsidy.

(2) The State shall provide financial resources for media packages in the amount of BGN 40,000 to the nomination committees which have registered candidates upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and in the amount of BGN 5,000 to the nomination committees which have registered candidates upon elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria and upon elections of National Representatives.

(3) The resources for the media packages referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be for the account of the State budget and shall be used to pay for the different paid forms of coverage of the election campaign through the media service providers."

Art. 193. "(1) The election campaign in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall open and close with spots of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees of a length not exceeding 40 seconds, which shall be transmitted at no charge.

(2) Upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, the election campaign in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall open and close with messages by the pairs of candidates of a length not exceeding 3 minutes for each of the said pairs, which shall not be paid for.

(3) Upon conduct of a new election of President and Vice President of the Republic in the cases referred to in Article 93 (4) of the Constitution, the candidates shall have the right to broadcast messages not longer than 10 minutes in the programme services of the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio on the last day of the election campaign between the two rounds, in an order determined by lots according to a procedure established by the Central Election Commission. The addresses shall not be paid for."

Art. 195. "(1) The Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio shall allot air time to the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates for debates at no charge on topics coordinated in advance of a length aggregating not less than 240 minutes. ...

(3) Upon conduct of a new election of President and Vice President of the Republic in the cases referred to in Article 93 (4) of the Constitution, in the period between the two rounds, by mutual agreement the candidates may hold a debate at no charge of a length of not less than 60 minutes within the appointed transmission time on the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio. The debate shall take place according to the procedure established by this Section."

Source: Articles 178 (1-3),193 (1-3) and 195 (1 and 3), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 167. "(2) Anyone offering or providing a material benefit to another to the purpose of persuading him/her to exercise his right to vote to the benefit of a particular candidate for office, a political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to six years and a fine from BGN ten thousand to twenty thousand.

(3) Anyone who organizes the offering or giving of a material benefit to another for the purpose of persuading him/her to exercise his right to vote to the benefit of a particular candidate for office, a political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner, shall be punished by imprisonment from one to seven years and a fine from BGN ten thousand to twenty-five thousand.

(4) The punishment under paragraph (3) shall also be imposed on a person providing a material benefit to the persons under paragraphs (2) and (3) to be offered or provided to another person with the purposes of persuading him to exercise his voting right in favour of a specific candidate, political party or coalition or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner.

(5) Where the act under Paragraphs 1 - 4 was committed by a domestic public official in the course of, or in connection with, the performance of the official duties thereof, the punishment shall be imprisonment from two to seven years and a fine from BGN 10,000 to 30,000.

(6) In the cases under paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and 5 the court shall also impose a punishment deprivation of the right under Article 37 (1) item 6.

(7) Perpetrators of actions referred to in paragraph (2) will not be punished provided that they voluntarily inform the relevant body of authority of any committed crime as referred to in paragraph (3) and (4)."

Art. 167a. "(1) Anyone who, for the purpose of exercising his/her right to vote to the benefit of a particular candidate or to vote in a referendum in a particular manner for office, asks or receives a material benefit, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years and by a fine from BGN one thousand to five thousand.

(2) Perpetrators will not be punished provided that they voluntarily inform the relevant body of authority of any committed crime as referred to in Article 167, paragraphs (2), (3) or (4)."

Source: Articles 167 (2 - 7) and 167a, Criminal Code of the Republic of Bulgaria, 1968

"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed:

1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria;

4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee.

(2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1).

(3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000;

2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000;

3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000;

4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000;

5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000;

6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000.

(4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor:

1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000;

2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000;

3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000;

4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000.

(5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000;

2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000;

3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed:

1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria;

4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee.

(2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1).

(3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000;

2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000;

3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000;

4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000;

5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000;

6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000.

(4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor:

1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000;

2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000;

3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000;

4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000.

(5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000;

2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000;

3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed:

1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria;

4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee.

(2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1).

(3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000;

2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000;

3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000;

4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000;

5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000;

6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000.

(4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor:

1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000;

2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000;

3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000;

4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000.

(5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000;

2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000;

3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) The aggregate amount of financing of each election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees may not exceed:

1. upon elections of National Representatives for a National Assembly: (a) BGN 3,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

2. upon elections of National Representatives for a Grand National Assembly: (a) BGN 4,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) BGN 200,000 for a nomination committee;

3. upon elections of President and Vice President of the Republic and of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria: (a) BGN 2,000,000 for a party, a coalition and a nomination committee for elections of President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as for a party and coalition for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria; (b) BGN 100,000 for a nomination committee for elections of Members of the European Parliament for the Republic of Bulgaria;

4. upon elections of municipal councillors and of mayors: (a) BGN 8,000,000 for a party and for a coalition; (b) the maximum amount of the financial resources referred to in Paragraphs (2), (3), (4) and (5) for a nomination committee.

(2) Not more than BGN 5,000 may be spent per candidate for municipal councillor within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1).

(3) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 30,000 residents: not more than BGN 25,000;

2. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 60,000 residents: not more than BGN 50,000;

3. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 100,000;

4. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 200,000 residents: not more than BGN 250,000;

5. for a municipality with a population not exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 500,000;

6. for a municipality with a population exceeding 500,000 residents: not more than BGN 1,000,000.

(4) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for borough mayor:

1. for a borough with a population not exceeding 25,000 residents: not more than BGN 20,000;

2. for a borough with a population not exceeding 50,000 residents: not more than BGN 40,000;

3. for a borough with a population not exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000;

4. for a borough with a population exceeding 100,000 residents: not more than BGN 60,000.

(5) Within the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (1), the following amounts may be spent per candidate for municipality mayor:

1. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 1,000 residents: not more than BGN 2,000;

2. for a mayoralty with a population not exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 6,000;

3. for a mayoralty with a population exceeding 3,000 residents: not more than BGN 10,000."

Source: Article 165 (1 - 5), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) In respect of the election campaign, the electronic media other than the Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio and the regional centres thereof may use paid and free-of-charge forms of coverage of the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates.

(2) It shall be prohibited to make political insinuations in commercial advertising to the benefit or to the detriment of any party, coalition or nomination committee or candidate.

(3) The commercial electronic media referred to in Paragraph (1) may allot time for paid coverage of the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates on identical terms and at identical rates.

(4) The rates referred to in Paragraph (3) may not exceed the average market rates for commercial advertising during the last six months before the start of the election campaign.

(5) The terms and procedure for the allotment of time for coverage of the election campaign, as well as the rate schedules, shall be made public on the Internet site of the respective medium referred to in Paragraph (1) not later than 40 days in advance of polling day. Payment shall be effected in advance.

(6) The terms, procedure and rate schedules referred to in Paragraph (5) shall be transmitted to the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be provided to the Central Election Commission in respect of an electronic medium operating within a national range and to the constituency election commissions or, respectively, to the municipal election commissions in respect of an electronic medium operating within a regional or a local range, not later than the opening of the election campaign.

(7) The time allotted by the media referred to in Paragraph (1) for paid forms of coverage of the election campaign shall be excluded from the limitation referred to in Article 89 (1) of the Radio and Television Act.

Source: Article 198 (1 - 7), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) The print media and the online news services shall offer identical terms and rates to all parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates, which shall be made public on the Internet site of the said media providers not later than 40 days in advance of polling day and shall forthwith be transmitted to the Bulgarian National Audit Office and to the Central Election Commission. Payment shall be effected in advance.

(2) The print media and the online news services may alternatively cover at no charge the election campaign of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees which have registered candidates.

(3) The rates referred to in Paragraph (1) may not exceed the average market rates for commercial advertising during the last six months before the start of the election campaign.

(4) It shall be prohibited to make political insinuations in commercial advertising to the benefit or to the detriment of any party, coalition or nomination committee or candidate.

Source: Article 187 (1 - 4), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) Political parties shall draw up financial statements for the preceding calendar year in accordance with the requirements of Chapter Three, Section III of the Accountancy Act."

Source: Article 34 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report."

Source: Article 172 (1), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report."

Source: Article 172(1), The Election Code, 2014

"(2) Within 30 working days after polling day, the media service providers, the sociological and advertising agencies, as well as the public relations agencies, shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office, on hard copy and on soft copy, information on the services provided to the parties, coalitions and nomination committees. The information shall be provided in a standard form endorsed by the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be published on the Internet site thereof."

Source: Article 172 (2), The Election Code, 2014

"(5) The Bulgarian National Audit Office shall publish the reports of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees referred to in Paragraph (1) on the Internet site thereof within 15 days after expiry of the time limit for the submission of the said reports."

Source: Article 172 (5), The Election Code, 2014

"(6) Not later than the 15th day of April of each current year, the National Audit Office shall publish, on the Internet site thereof, the financial statements and declarations referred to in Paragraph (4), a list of the designations of the parties which failed to submit statements within the time limit referred to in Paragraph (4), as well as a list of the parties which have received a state subsidy during the preceding year."

Source: Article 34 (6), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement."

Source: Article 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type."

"(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 5. the names of the contributors, the type, purpose, amount or value of the contributions made; 6. the names of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees who have provided financial resources and the amount of the said resources; 7. the names of the natural persons who provided things or services for gratuitous use for the election campaign, the period of use, the type and the description of the things provided for use and the type of the services; 8. the declarations on the origin of the financial resources contributed, the declarations on the origin of the financial resources of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees and the declarations by the natural persons on ownership of the things provided for gratuitous use;..."

Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014

"(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement."

Source: Article 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type."

"(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 5. the names of the contributors, the type, purpose, amount or value of the contributions made; 6. the names of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees who have provided financial resources and the amount of the said resources; 7. the names of the natural persons who provided things or services for gratuitous use for the election campaign, the period of use, the type and the description of the things provided for use and the type of the services; 8. the declarations on the origin of the financial resources contributed, the declarations on the origin of the financial resources of the candidates and of the members of the nomination committees and the declarations by the natural persons on ownership of the things provided for gratuitous use;..."

Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014

"(1) A single public register of the parties, coalitions and nomination committees registered to contest the respective type of election shall be established at the Bulgarian National Audit Office and shall be maintained from the opening of the election campaign until the next elections of the same type."

"(2) The following shall be published in the register referred to in Paragraph (1): ... 9. the names of the sociological agencies and of the advertising agencies, as well as of the public relations agencies hired by the parties, coalitions and nomination committees."

Source: Article 171 (1-2), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 33. "(1) Financial control over the activities of political parties and the management of the property thereto allocated shall be exercised by the National Audit Office."

Art. 34. "(4) Political parties shall submit a financial statement on a paper and an electronic data medium to the National Audit Office not later than the 31st day of March of each year. A declaration completed in a standard form, containing a list of the natural persons who have made donations, shall be attached to any such statement."

Source: Articles 33 (1) and 34 (4), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art.172. "(1) Within 30 working days after polling day, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee and the persons who represent the coalition shall present to the Bulgarian National Audit Office a report on hard copy and on soft copy on the financial resources raised and spent and the payment obligations assumed in connection with the election campaign, accompanied by a statement of the bank account of the party, committee or coalition. The declarations referred to in Article 169 (1) and (3) herein shall be attached to the report."

Source: Article 172(1), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 33. "(1) Financial control over the activities of political parties and the management of the property thereto allocated shall be exercised by the National Audit Office."

Art. 44. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 43 and 43a herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office. (2) Penalty decrees shall be issued by the President of the National Audit Office."

Source: Articles 33 (1) and 44 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

"(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 476 to 479 herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office."

Source: Article 497 (1), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 35. "(1) Within six months after expiry of the time limit for receipt of the annual financial statements, the National Audit Office shall conduct an audit as to compliance with the requirements of this Act and of the Accountancy Act of the financial activity, the revenues, the expenditures and the management of the property allocated to the political parties which, during the preceding year have: 1. received a state subsidy; 2. used state-owned or municipal-owned premises provided thereto; 3. participated in elections, if such elections were held.

(2) Upon conduct of the audit referred to in Paragraph (1), the authorities of the National Audit Office shall be entitled: 1. to unimpeded access to the service premises and to all documents, statements, assets and liabilities related to the financial activity of the political parties; 2. to require, within time limits set by them, certified copies of documents and other information in connection with the conduct of the audits, including on an electronic data medium; 3. to require oral and written explanations from office holders, including from former office holders, on facts ascertained upon the audits, as well as on matters concerning the activity
thereof; 4. to require data sheets, certified copies of documents and other information from natural persons, legal persons and sole traders outside the political party concerned, related to possible cases of unlawful activity; 5. to require and receive information from all authorities in the country, as well as access to
the databases thereof in connection with the execution of the audit.

(3) In case of a refusal to provide any information referred to in Item 4 of Paragraph (2), the President of the National Audit Office shall have the right to issue an order on conduct of an examination of the legal person or of the sole trader in connection with the information refused. Upon obstruction of the examination by the legal person or by the sole trader, the National Audit Office shall approach the prosecuting authorities."

Art. 35a. "(1) After expiry of the time limit referred to in Article 34 (6) herein, the authorities of the National Revenue Agency shall carry out activities within the
competence thereof according to the procedure established by Chapter Fifteen of the Tax and Social-Insurance Procedure Code in respect of the political parties which receive a state subsidy and which have failed to submit the statements thereof to the National Audit Office when due.

(2) The National Revenue Agency shall carry out the activities referred to in Paragraph (1) within the time limits referred to in Article 114 (1) and (2) of the Tax and Social-Insurance Procedure Code.

(3) After expiry of the time limits referred to in Paragraph (2), the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency shall send the National Audit Office information on the action taken by the said Agency, including information on the auditing instruments issued.

(4) The National Audit Office shall publish, on the Internet site thereof, the report on the audit referred to in Article 35 (1) herein and the information received from the National Revenue Agency within one month after adoption of the report or after receipt of the information referred to in Paragraph (3), as the case may be."

Art. 36. "(1) Upon non-submission or late submission of financial statements to the National Audit Office, political parties shall forfeit the entitlement thereof to a state subsidy until conduct of the next elections of National Representatives.

(2) Where in the course of the audit the National Audit Office has ascertained any violations by a political party in the raising and spending of funds, in the management of the property as allocated or in the financial reporting, by decision of the National Audit Office the relevant part of the report, as well as the evidence taken, shall be transmitted to the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office within seven days after adoption of the said report."

Art. 44. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 43 and 43a herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office. (2) Penalty decrees shall be issued by the President of the National Audit Office."

Source: Articles 35 (1 - 3), 35a (1-4), 36 (1-2) and 44 (1), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 170. "(1) The financing of any financial resources raised and spent in connection with the election campaign in an amount exceeding BGN 1,000 shall be effected by bank transfer. ...

(3) For conduct of the check, the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office shall request information from the National Revenue Agency and other competent authorities and institutions."

Art. 497. "(1) The written statements ascertaining the violations referred to in Articles 476 to 479 herein shall be drawn up by domestic public officials empowered by the President of the Bulgarian National Audit Office."

Source: Articles 170 (1 and 3), 497 (1), The Election Code, 2014

Art. 36. "(1) Upon non-submission or late submission of financial statements to the National Audit Office, political parties shall forfeit the entitlement thereof to a state subsidy until conduct of the next elections of National Representatives."

Art. 43. "(1) Any political party, which fails to submit altogether or fails to submit in due course any financial statement under Article 34 (1) herein and any declaration under Article 34 (4) herein, shall be liable to a pecuniary penalty of BGN 5,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000.

(2) Any political party, which fails to create a public register or which fails to record any circumstances covered under Article 29 (2) herein in the public register, shall be liable to a pecuniary penalty of BGN 3,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000.

(3) Any repeated violation under Paragraphs (1) or (2) shall be punishable by a pecuniary penalty in a double amount.

Art. 43a. "(1) Upon breach of the requirements of Article 22, Article 23 (2), Article 24 and Article 29 (1) herein, the person referred to in Article 30 (1) herein or, if no such person has been designated, the person who represents the political party, shall be liable to a fine of BGN 3,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 15,000.

(2) Upon failure to discharge the duty referred to in Article 28a herein, the person referred to in Article 30 (1) herein or, if no such person has been designated, the person who represents the political party shall be liable to a fine of BGN 500 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 1000.

(3) Upon failure to discharge the duties referred to in Article 30 (1) and (2) herein, the person who represents the political party shall be liable to a fine of BGN 500 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 1000. (4) Any repeated violation under Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be punishable by a fine in a double amount."

Source: Articles 36 (1), 43 (1 - 3) and 43a (1-3), The Political Parties Act, 2005

Art. 476. "Where the aggregate amount of the financing referred to in Article 165 herein is exceeded, where the prohibitions referred to in Article 168 herein are breached, as well as where the requirement referred to in Article 170 (1) herein is breached, the person or persons referred to in Article 164 herein shall be liable to a fine of BGN 3,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 15,000. 

Art. 477. Upon receipt of any contribution from a natural person in excess of the permissible amount referred to in Article 167 (1) or (2) herein, or upon receipt of any things or services in violation of Article 167 (3) or (4) herein, the person or persons referred to in Article 164 herein shall be liable to a fine of BGN 2,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000.

Art. 477a. (1) Any person, who fails to discharge a duty under Article 169 herein, shall be liable to a fine of BGN 1,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 3,000. (2) Any repeated violation under Paragraph (1) shall be punishable by a fine of BGN 3,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000. 

Art. 478. Upon failure to submit information under Article 171 (2) and (4) herein to the single public register, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee, or the persons who represent the coalition, shall be liable to a fine of BGN 3,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000. 

Art. 479. Upon failure to present a report referred to in Article 172 (1) and (3) herein, the person who represents the party or the nomination committee, or the persons who represent the coalition, shall be liable to a fine of BGN 2,000 or exceeding this amount but not exceeding BGN 10,000."

Source: Articles 476 - 479, The Election Code, 2014