Bulgarians are voting in the second round of the presidential election on Sunday 1 November. According to Euronews, incumbent president Iliana Iotova faces Andrey Gyurov. The candidates differ over Russia and the war in Ukraine — a significant dispute over the political direction of a country belonging to both the European Union and NATO.
Euronews reports that polling stations are open from 7am to 8pm Bulgarian time. Voting is still under way and the outcome remains unknown. In the first round, Iotova secured around 35% of the vote, finishing approximately 43,000 votes ahead of Gyurov. Those figures, reported by the broadcaster, do not determine the result of the run-off.
Different positions on Moscow and support for Ukraine
Euronews describes Iotova as supporting dialogue with Moscow and opposing continued military aid to Ukraine. Gyurov takes a different position, regarding an end to Russian aggression as a condition for further steps towards negotiations. These are the candidates’ stated positions, not confirmation of decisions Bulgaria will take after the election.
The two candidates also have the backing of different political groups. According to Euronews, Iotova is supported by Progressive Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Socialist Party and VMRO. Gyurov has the support of Democratic Bulgaria and We Continue the Change.
Sunday’s run-off will decide the contest between them. The Euronews report published during voting does not yet include turnout figures or second-round results.
