The presidential run-off pits Iotova, who previously led the first round, against reformist-backed Gyurov after voter turnout plunged to just 23 percent. Heightened regional dangers shadow the vote following recent drone strikes on Black Sea merchant vessels, including a Greek container ship sinking that left roughly two dozen seafarers feared dead. While both contenders urge a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, Gyurov promotes strong NATO alignment, having previously signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.
Key points
An electoral victory for Iliana Iotova would establish her as the first elected female pr…: An electoral victory for Iliana Iotova would establish her as the first elected female president in Bulgaria.
Andrey Gyurov commands the backing of pro-Western reformist parties and former Prime Mini…: Andrey Gyurov commands the backing of pro-Western reformist parties and former Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.
Outgoing acting leader Iotova holds the endorsement of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who ra…: Outgoing acting leader Iotova holds the endorsement of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who ran on a Kremlin-friendly platform.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Voters in Bulgaria weigh economic challenges and attacks on ships in a race marked by record low turnout.
Voting is under way in a Bulgarian presidential run-off marked by growing regional security threats and domestic economic concerns.
President Iliana Iotova, 61, led over former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, 50, in the first round but fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to win. The first round drew record low turnout. Only 23 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot, according to election officials.
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Exit polls will be published after voting ends at 8pm (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, with a result expected on Monday.
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