SOFIA, October 26. /Dunyo IA/. In yesterday’s presidential election in Bulgaria, none of the candidates secured the required majority of votes, prompting a runoff scheduled for November 1, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing “DW News.”

With around 95% of ballots counted, incumbent President Iliana Iotova received 34.6% of the vote, while former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov secured 32%. Kostadin Kostadinov came third with 12.64%. A total of 27 candidates took part in the election.

To win in the first round, a candidate needed more than 50% of the vote. Voter turnout stood at approximately 22.2%, a low figure. After polling stations closed, Iliana Iotova urged citizens to participate more actively in elections.

Ahead of the runoff, Andrey Gyurov proposed holding a public debate with Iliana Iotova to increase public interest in the election and allow voters to compare their positions on key issues and their approaches to the presidency.

The war in Ukraine also featured prominently in the election campaign. In October, several commercial vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast were reportedly targeted by drones. The incidents heightened concerns over maritime security, prompting the government to seek assistance from allied countries to protect shipping. Both candidates condemned the attacks, but their positions on the broader war differ.

Photo credit: EU Today