Bulgaria Presidential Runoff Expected Amid Russia Divide

Bulgarians are voting in a presidential runoff after neither incumbent Iliana Iotova nor pro-European former interim prime minister Andrey Gyurov won a majority in the first round; Iotova led with about 34.8% to Gyurov’s 32%. Turnout in that round was just 22.98%, amid voter fatigue after repeated elections. The contest has become a choice between sharply different approaches to the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia: Iotova has called for a diplomatic end to the war and more balanced ties with Moscow, while Gyurov has condemned Russia as the aggressor and is backed by pro-European opposition parties. The campaign was also shaped by drone attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, which raised concerns about regional security; Bulgaria has not directly blamed Russia, which denies involvement. Polls are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., with voting allowed until 9 p.m. where voters are still waiting.