Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova leads presidential runoff, eyes historic election victory
Exit polls indicate that Bulgaria’s acting President, Iliana Iotova, is leading in Sunday’s low-turnout runoff election, putting her on course to become the country’s first elected female head of state.
Iotova, 61, secured approximately 51% of the votes, compared with between 43% and 45% for former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, 50, according to two exit polls released after voting ended at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).
The final official results are expected on Monday, following the counting of ballots.
Voter turnout was estimated at between 27% and 29%, slightly above the 23% recorded in the first round on October 25, which marked a record low for the country.
The presidential election took place amid growing security concerns following a series of drone attacks on merchant vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast over the past month. The incidents have triggered international condemnation and raised fears about the expanding impact of the war in Ukraine.
Around two dozen sailors are feared dead, while the attacks have prompted the government to seek support from its allies to strengthen maritime security. On Wednesday, a Greek container ship sank after being struck by sea drones.
Both leading candidates have condemned the attacks. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who supports Iotova, said the consequences of the strikes “benefit the Russian Federation”. Both candidates have also called for a diplomatic resolution to the war.
Iotova assumed the role of acting president in January after Radev resigned to contest a parliamentary election, which he won on a platform many political analysts considered friendly to the Kremlin.
Speaking after casting her ballot on Sunday, Iotova said she voted for Bulgaria to remain a strong country within a strong Europe while maintaining an independent foreign policy and defending its national interests.
Gyurov, who served as caretaker prime minister earlier this year, is backed by pro-Western reformist parties and has consistently expressed support for Ukraine.
After voting, he said he had cast his ballot for a secure, stable and European Bulgaria.
During his tenure as prime minister, Gyurov signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.
Several right-leaning political figures, including former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, have also endorsed his candidacy.
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