Bulgaria holds presidential run-off between Iotova and Gyurov

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 04:50 · Archive

Bulgaria holds a presidential run-off between incumbent Iliana Iotova and former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov.

Bulgaria is holding a presidential run-off between incumbent Iliana Iotova and former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov after neither secured outright victory in the first round on 25 October. Iotova, a former Socialist member of the European Parliament, won 34.76 per cent of the vote, while Gyurov, a pro-Western economist backed by the liberal-conservative opposition, came second with 31.95 per cent.

The election in Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member state on the eastern flank of both blocs, takes place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. The Black Sea, which Bulgaria borders, has increasingly become a theatre of conflict due to drone attacks on merchant ships. Starlink antennas have also been set on fire in Bulgaria, disrupting the satellite communications network that plays an important role in Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion.

The run-off is likely to determine whether Sofia moves towards a clearer Western orientation, as suggested by Gyurov's candidacy, or whether Iotova continues the more restrained approach of Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

Bulgaria holds presidential run-off between Iotova and Gyurov — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Bulgaria votes in presidential run-offBulgarians are going back to the polls after a close race between the two leading presidential candidates failed to produce a winner a week ago.The West Australian · 1 Nov, 04:22
Bulgaria votes in presidential run-offBulgarians are going back to the polls after a close race between the two leading presidential candidates failed to produce a winner a week ago.Perth Now · 1 Nov, 04:22

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

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