Official data indicates Iliana Iotova captured 51 percent of the run-off vote against pro-Western opposition candidate Andrey Gyurov, who secured approximately 44 percent. She assumed the interim role in January after Prime Minister Rumen Radev stepped down to pursue a parliamentary seat. The vote unfolded under heightened security following drone strikes on commercial ships in the Black Sea that left 21 people missing. A final, official count on Monday will determine whether her lead holds.
Key points
A confirmed victory will make 61-year-old Iliana Iotova the first elected female presiden…: A confirmed victory will make 61-year-old Iliana Iotova the first elected female president in Bulgaria's history.
The competing candidates exposed sharp divisions over foreign policy, particularly regard…: The competing candidates exposed sharp divisions over foreign policy, particularly regarding military aid to Ukraine and relations with Moscow.
Prime Minister Radev stated the Black Sea drone attacks served Russian interests despite…: Prime Minister Radev stated the Black Sea drone attacks served Russian interests despite lacking evidence directly linking Moscow to the strikes.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Iliana Iotova would become the nation’s first elected female president if results confirm her win on Monday.
Bulgaria’s acting President Iliana Iotova is leading the presidential election run-off, according to exit polls in the race overshadowed by drone attacks on ships off the country’s Black Sea coast.
Iotova, who advocates for dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine, won just over half the vote in Sunday’s run-off, according to three exit polls, reported Bulgaria’s official news agency, BTA.
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Iotova had 51 percent compared to about 44 percent for her rival, Andrey Gyurov, who is backed by the pro-Western opposition.
Exit polls put voter participation at about 27 to 29 percent, slightly higher than the first-round race last week, which had a record-low turnout of 23 percent.
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