A donkey named Marko has entered the race for mayoral elections in Bulgaria.

Marko is representing a marginal political party - the Society for New Bulgaria - for the vote in the Black Sea city of Varna (picture 2 above) on 23 October.

The party believes Marko stands a better chance of representing the city than incumbent mayor Kiril Yordanov, who has reportedly refused to share a platform with the animal.

Yordanov is running as a nominee of the ruling center-right party GERB.

Angel Dyankov, a representative of the Society for New Bulgaria party, told the country's Darik Radio: "Unlike the other mayor candidates and politicians, the Donkey has a strong character, doesn’t steal, doesn’t lie, and gets work done."

Doychin Dimitrovmade, another member of the party, added: "Let the residents of Varna draw the line and decide who has more positive qualities – the donkey or the incumbent Mayor."

According to local media, Marko will be focusing on environmental issues in what is described as a "positive" campaign.

Donkey enters elections in Bulgaria