To run with the support of voters, candidates need to collect at least 5,000 signatures in support of their bid.

Alternatively, candidates may also be put forward by ten MPs or by political parties, in which case the candidacy needs to be backed by at least three MPs or 3,000 voters.

An intention to stand has so far been announced by 13 hopefuls. Apart from the incumbent president, the most serious contenders are former Prime Minister Borut Pahor and MEP Milan Zver.

Zver will run on behalf of the ruling Democrats (SDS) and New Slovenia (NSi), while Pahor will stand for the Social Democrats (SD), but he is also collecting signatures from voters.

Türk already stood as an independent with the support of voters in the 2007 presidential election, while he was also endorsed by the SD, Zares and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS).

This time he enjoys the backing of the opposition Positive Slovenia (PS).

He is heading public opinion polls, ahead of Pahor and Zver.