Bulgarians voted Sunday, Nov. 1, in a presidential runoff between Iliana Iotova and Andrey Gyurov, and a late exit poll put Iotova ahead as tensions over Black Sea shipping and the war in Ukraine became a bigger issue in the campaign.
Neither candidate received enough votes to win in the first round on Oct. 25. Iotova received 34.76% and Gyurov 31.95% in a contest with 27 tickets and turnout just under 23%. Alpha Research’s exit poll at 7 p.m. estimated 52.5% for Iotova’s ticket and 43.4% for Gyurov’s ticket.
These are projections, not certified final results. The race showed different approaches to Russia and Ukraine. Iotova favors talks with Moscow and opposes military aid to Kyiv.
Pro-Western opposition parties back Gyurov, who supports Ukraine. Security concerns grew after drone attacks hit commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Sailors were reported dead or missing.
Bulgaria sought help from allies to improve maritime security. Both candidates condemned the attacks and called for talks to end the war. They differ over Bulgaria’s position toward Russia and its support for Ukraine.
The presidency has mostly ceremonial duties. The result is also a test of public support for Bulgaria’s political direction and its relations with Western allies. Economic hardship added to voters’ concerns.
The close first-round margin left the final outcome uncertain while official results were still pending.