Bulgaria presidential election heads to Nov. 1 runoff

Bulgaria’s presidential election will go to a runoff on Nov. 1 after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, according to unofficial results released after polls closed.

Incumbent President Iliana Yotova and her running mate, Kiril Valchev, received 34.6% of the vote, while former Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and his running mate, Georgi Kandev, secured 32.7%, according to polling agency Alpha Research, as reported by Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

Separate unofficial results from polling agency Myara put Yotova at 35% and Gyurov at 31.9%.

Voter turnout remained low, at 22.5% according to Alpha Research and 22.2% according to Myara.

Yotova calls for greater voter participation

Speaking after the polls closed, Yotova expressed concern over the low turnout and thanked citizens who had voted and supported her candidacy.

“Thinking that we can change anything in the country without voting is an illusion,” she said.

Yotova said her campaign would intensify efforts to engage with voters ahead of the runoff. She also emphasized the need for stable governance, arguing that Bulgaria should avoid alliances formed between political parties.

Gyurov challenges Yotova to public debate

Gyurov called on Yotova to take part in a public debate before the second round, saying the country needed an active president capable of bringing citizens together.

“I invite Yotova to an open, honest and civilized debate to present our views on how we would exercise our powers and how we would act when Bulgaria faces difficult choices,” he said.

The two candidates will compete in the Nov. 1 runoff, with the final outcome to determine Bulgaria’s next president.

Source:AA