Ljubljana - Three jurists - Neža Kogovšek Šalamon, Andraž Teršek and Andraž Zidar - have responded to a call to submit an application for a Constitutional Court judge to replace Marijan Pavčnik, who asked parliament in mid-May to be relieved of his duties. His term will expire on 31 December, more than three years prematurely.

President Borut Pahor will now consult deputy group leaders about the candidates before he sends his proposal to parliament.

The president of the republic can nominate one of the candidates who have responded to the call for applications or one who has not.

Once Pahor sends the nomination to parliament, he will organise the candidate's presentation of their vision for the nine-year job, his office said on Monday.

Outgoing judge Pavčnik took office in March 2017 and would serve out his nine-year term in March 2026.

Under the Constitutional Court act, to be eligible for a Constitutional Court job, a Slovenian citizen who is a jurist must be at least 40 years old.