Bulgaria's acting president leads in runoff vote

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 20:32 · Archive

Exit polls show Bulgaria's acting President Iliana Iotova leading a low-turnout presidential runoff with about 51 per cent, ahead of former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov on 43 to 45 per cent. She is backed by the ruling centre-left party Progressive Bulgaria and is on course to become the country's first elected female head of state. Gyurov is backed by the liberal-conservative opposition and signalled closer alignment with Western partners during the campaign, along with stronger support for Ukraine.

Turnout was about 27 to 29 per cent, slightly higher than the first-round race on 25 October, which had record-low turnout of 23 per cent. The election in the EU and NATO member took place as drone attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea escalated. About two dozen seafarers are feared dead, and a Greek container ship sank after being hit by sea drones on Wednesday.

Both candidates have condemned the attacks and called for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who backs Iotova, said the strikes' outcome 'benefits the Russian Federation'. The government has sought allied assistance to bolster maritime security. The final official result is expected Monday.

How it is being reported

• Bulgaria's acting president takes lead in runoff voteBulgarian President Iliana Iotova appears headed for victory in the presidential run-off, with the vote held amid drone strikes on merchant ships in Black Sea.Perth Now · 1 Nov, 20:21
• Bulgaria's acting president takes lead in runoff voteBulgarian President Iliana Iotova appears headed for victory in the presidential run-off, with the vote held amid drone strikes on merchant ships in Black Sea.The West Australian · 1 Nov, 20:21

In this story: Iliana Iotova · Andrey Gyurov · Bulgaria · Progressive Bulgaria · Rumen Radev · Black Sea · Ukraine · Russia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log