Commercial Electronic Media

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

(2) Commercials shall not convey political suggestions benefiting or harming one or another party, coalition or nomination committee, or a candidate.

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

(4) (new - SG 39/16, in force from 26.05.2016) The prices referred to in Para 3 may not exceed the average market prices for commercial advertisement during the last 6 months before the beginning of the election campaign.

(5) (prev. text of Para 04 - SG 39/16, in force from 26.05.2016) The terms and procedure of allotting time for coverage of the election campaign, as well as the rates shall be disclosed on the web site of the respective medium referred to in Para. 1 at least 40 days before election day. The payment shall be made upfront.

(6) (prev. text of Para 05, amend. - SG 39/16, in force from 26.05.2016) The terms, procedure and rates referred to in Para. 5 shall be forwarded to the Bulgarian National Audit Office and submitted to the Central Election Commission – in the case of an electronic medium with national coverage, and to the regional elections commissions, respectively to the Municipal election commissions – in the case of an electronic medium with regional and local coverage, not later than at the time of launching the election campaign.

(7) (prev. text of Para 06 - SG 39/16, in force from 26.05.2016) The time allotted by the media referred to in Para. 1 for paid forms of coverage of the election campaign shall not be subject to the limitation referred to in Art. 89, Para. 1 of the Radio and Television Act.