Bulgarian Acting President Iotova Claims Victory in Low-Turnout Runoff
Exit polls show Iotova defeating Gyurov in a vote cast against the backdrop of Black Sea drone attacks and record-low participation.
By Marina Weber ·
Bulgaria's political landscape is currently defined by uncertainty regarding maritime security and domestic leadership. In the presidential runoff held on Sunday, acting President Iliana Iotova is leading her opponent, Andrey Gyurov, according to preliminary exit polls reported by the state news agency BTA.
The polls place Iotova at 51 percent of the vote, compared to approximately 44 percent for Gyurov. Gyurov is backed by the pro-Western opposition, while Iotova has advocated for dialogue with Moscow and opposed military aid to Ukraine. If these figures hold in the official count, Iotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency in Bulgaria is largely ceremonial, but the race has taken on heightened significance due to recent geopolitical tensions.
Participation in the runoff was estimated between 27 and 29 percent. This figure is slightly higher than the 23 percent turnout recorded in the first round last week, which set a record low for the country. In that initial vote, Iotova received 35 percent support against Gyurov's 32 percent, a narrower margin than opinion polls had predicted.
The election took place while 21 people remain missing following a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels off the Black Sea coast last month. The attacks are suspected to be spillover from the war in Russia and Ukraine. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who took office after winning a parliamentary election in January, stated that the attacks appear to serve Russian interests. He summoned the Russian ambassador, although his government noted a lack of direct evidence linking Moscow to the incidents.
Voters in Sofia expressed mixed feelings about the choices presented to them. Krassimira Kostova, a 64-year-old teacher, told the AFP news agency that she did not like either candidate but voted anyway. Petar Doitchinov, a 67-year-old retired engineer, said he skipped the first round but voted for the lesser evil in the runoff because neither candidate matched his vision of democracy.
The candidates have addressed the Black Sea attacks in their campaigns. Gyurov, a banker and former caretaker prime minister, criticized Iotova during a television debate for not explicitly blaming Russia. He stated, "Russia must stop its aggression so that the next steps can be taken." Iotova countered that peace can come only through negotiations. After casting her ballot, she said she wanted Bulgaria to be strong in a strong Europe and sovereign in its decisions.
Teodor Slavev, a political analyst, told AFP that voters were passing judgment on Iotova's unconvincing response regarding Russian threats in the Black Sea. Official results are expected on Monday as ballots are counted.
