Bulgaria's interior ministry has opened a 24-hour hotline for reports of election violations. From today until October 26, people can call 02/90 112 98 or email [email protected] to report violations or crimes linked to the vote, the ministry's press office said.

If the race goes to a runoff, both channels will stay open until November 2.

The ministry says the move is meant to protect people's right to vote freely and keep order during the presidential election.

The campaign for the October 25 presidential and vice-presidential vote also starts today. It runs until midnight on October 23.

The Central Election Commission has already registered 27 presidential and vice-presidential tickets and drawn their numbers for the ballot.