other government, public or private offices for the duration of his term. The president is also constitutionally forbidden from being involved in a leadership position of a political party while in office. In practice, despite the fact that most candidates for president are elected from a political party's list and despite the fact that the Constitution doesn't forbid the president from being an ordinary member of a political party, it is widely expected in Bulgarian society that the president-elect renounce all affiliations with political parties once elected and serve as an independent politician. Powers and privileges The president of Bulgaria has a number of functions and powers that are regulated in Chapter 4 of the 1991 Constitution of Bulgaria. The president is elected directly by a popular vote for a period of five years which is renewable. Presidential powers The following powers belong to the president of Bulgaria: The ability to give, restore or revoke Bulgarian citizenship, as well as refugee status. Appoint and dismiss senior government officials Exercise the right to pardon convicted criminals, as well as forgive 'uncollectible' debts owed to the government Rename villages, towns and cities, as well as objects of national importance Act as Supreme commander-in-chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Represent Bulgaria at home and abroad Schedule the National and local elections within the intervals designated by law Veto any bill coming from the National Assembly by refusing to sign it after its passage in the assembly. Declares war, martial law or any other state of emergency (This is done with the assistance of the Consultative Council on National Security) Grant and award the orders, decorations, and medals of Bulgaria Immunity The president enjoys blanket legal immunity during his tenure and is not held responsible for any act performed while on duty, with the exception of treason or violation of the Bulgarian constitution. His authority may only be stripped via impeachment and may not be removed by any other institution. The president cannot be detained and may not be prosecuted. Vice president The president is assisted in these duties by the vice president of Bulgaria. The vice president replaces the president in case of absence. Only upon early termination of office of the vice president will assume the duties of president until elections are held. The Constitution permits the president to delegate to the vice president the powers to appoint and dismiss certain officials,