OMM Newsroom
According to AnewZ, incumbent Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova took the lead in Sunday’s second round of the largely ceremonial presidential election. Exit polls indicate she could become the country’s first elected female head of state.
Two exit polls released after voting ended at 8 p.m. put Yotova at about 51% of the vote, while former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov was projected to receive 43% to 45%.
Final official results are expected on Monday, after ballots are counted. Exit polls put voter turnout at 27% to 29%, slightly higher than the 23% recorded in the first round on October 25. Turnout in that election had fallen to a historic low.
War in Ukraine casts shadow over election
The presidential election came amid a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels near Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast over the past month. The attacks have heightened international concerns that the effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine are spreading.
About two dozen sailors are believed to have been killed. The attacks prompted the Bulgarian government to seek help from its allies to strengthen maritime security. On Wednesday, a Greek-owned container ship sank after being struck by naval drones.
Both leading candidates condemned the attacks and called for a diplomatic resolution to the war. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who supports Yotova, said the strikes’ outcome “is in favor of the Russian Federation.”
Yotova became acting president in January after Radev resigned to run in and win a parliamentary election. Political analysts have broadly described Radev’s election platform as pro-Kremlin.
After voting, Yotova said she had voted “for Bulgaria to be a strong state in a strong Europe, while also being able to pursue its own foreign policy and have a say on the most important issues in the interests of the nation.”
Gyurov calls for a pro-European Bulgaria
Gyurov, who served as caretaker prime minister earlier this year, is backed by pro-Western and reformist parties. He has consistently voiced support for Ukraine.
After voting, Gyurov said: “Today I voted for a safe, stable and pro-European Bulgaria.” During his time as prime minister, he signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.
Several right-leaning political figures, including former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, have declared their support for Gyurov.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Yotova on her election victory on Sunday. In a post on the social media platform X, she said she looked forward to continuing to work with Yotova on issues ranging from security and defense to competitiveness and energy independence.
