Bulgarians Vote in Presidential Runoff Between Iotova and Gyurov

Bulgarians went to the polls on 1 November 2026 for the second round of the presidential election. Incumbent Iliana Iotova faces former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov. Official first-round results published by the Central Election Commission showed Iotova with 34.76 per cent and Gyurov with 31.95 per cent. No candidate reached the absolute majority required for victory on 25 October, and turnout stood at a record low of approximately 23 per cent.

Iotova, who became acting president in January 2026 after Rumen Radev resigned to contest parliamentary elections, is backed by the ruling Progressive Bulgaria party, the Bulgarian Socialist Party and other groups. Gyurov, an economist, is supported by the pro-Western We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria formations. The two candidates differ on foreign policy, particularly the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia. Iotova and Radev have favoured diplomatic engagement, while Gyurov has aligned more closely with EU positions and continued support for Ukraine.

The presidency in Bulgaria is largely ceremonial, but the office retains powers over appointments, foreign representation and the ability to return legislation to parliament. A victory for Iotova would make her the first woman elected to the post. Gyurov has called for a debate between the two finalists. First-round turnout was the lowest in the country’s history, which observers linked to political fatigue after years of instability.

Kostadin Kostadinov of the nationalist Revival party finished third with about 12.5 per cent and is not in the runoff. The remaining candidates each received under 5 per cent. Results from the second round will determine whether the presidency remains aligned with the current parliamentary majority led by Radev’s party or shifts toward the reformist opposition.

Voting is taking place under the standard two-round system. In the runoff a simple majority of valid votes is sufficient. Final results are expected after counting is completed by the Central Election Commission. The low first-round participation has raised questions about the legitimacy that any winner will command, regardless of the margin.