International

Iotova and Gyurov head for Bulgaria presidential runoff

Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission reported on October 26 that incumbent President Iliana Iotova’s ticket led with 35.5% of the vote, with 17.86% of tally sheets processed.

Gyurov ranks second

Former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and his running mate, Georgi Kandev, received 30.5%, according to the partial results published by the Bulgarian News Agency.

The ticket led by Kostadin Kostadinov and Petar Volgin ranked third with 13.5%. The figures remain preliminary as election officials continue counting the votes.

Runoff set for November 1

Iotova and Gyurov are scheduled to face each other in the second round on November 1, after neither ticket secured the majority required to win in the first round.

The president is elected for a five-year term. Iotova took office in January 2026 after Rumen Radev stepped down to enter parliamentary politics.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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Rodica Mazur

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