Sofia, Oct 25. (dpa/GNA) – Bulgaria elects a new head of state on Sunday, with polls showing President Iliana Iotova, who has held the country’s highest office only since late January, clearly ahead with more than 40% of the vote.
She is challenged by Andrey Gyurov, candidate for the pro-Western opposition parties.
Polls suggest Gyurov may win just over 28%. The former socialist member of the European Parliament (MEP) is backed by the centre-left party that governs alone, Progressive Bulgaria (PB), of Prime Minister Rumen Radev. He had to step down as president in January, to take part in an early parliamentary election.
“We want a Bulgaria that looks to the future, that is European, free and proud,” Gyurov was quoted as saying by local media, after casting his ballot.
The war in Ukraine is raging just a few hundred kilometres from Bulgaria, a south-eastern EU and NATO member.
In October, four merchant ships were allegedly hit by drones off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Starlink satellite internet antennas were also set on fire near the capital Sofia.
The Starlink network is an important part of Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion. “I firmly believe that there must be peace, stability and security,” Iotova said after casting her vote in Sofia.
A total of 27 candidates are running for the country’s highest office. Left-wing and right-wing challengers to Iotova are focusing on criticism of the government, including on the Ukraine war.
If no candidate wins an absolute majority in the first round, a run-off is scheduled for November 1. Pollsters then consider a run-off between Iotova and Gyurov certain.
Turnout stood at only 5.8% by 11 am (0900 GMT), according to the electoral commission.
Polling stations are open on Sunday from 7 am to 8 pm. Exit polls may only be published after polling stations close.
Official results are expected up to 48 hours after polls close.
GNA