The second round of the presidential election is taking place in Bulgaria on 1 November, with the incumbent head of state, Iliana Yotova, and the former interim prime minister, Andrey Gyurov, standing as candidates. The candidates hold differing views on relations with Russia and support for Ukraine. Yotova advocates resuming dialogue with Moscow, whilst Gyurov insists on strengthening cooperation with NATO and providing assistance to Kyiv. The vote is taking place against a backdrop of political instability and an escalating security situation in the Black Sea.
- The second round of the presidential election is taking place in Bulgaria on 1 November.
- Iliyana Yotova and Andrey Gyurov are vying for the post.
- The candidates hold different views on Russia and Ukraine.
- In the first round, turnout was a record low of 22.9%.
- Preliminary results are expected after 8.00 pm.
Who is standing for the presidency?
Iliana Yotova took office as Bulgaria’s leader in January 2026 following an early resignation Rumena Radeva, who subsequently won the parliamentary elections and became Prime Minister. Her candidacy is supported by Radev’s political party, «Progressive Bulgaria», and the Socialists.
Yotova advocates a diplomatic resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, the resumption of dialogue with Moscow and the easing of sanctions. At the same time, she supports Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union.
Her rival Andrey Gyurov — an economist and former interim head of government, who is backed by pro-Western reformist parties. Whilst serving as prime minister, he signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.
Gyurov advocates a more active role for Bulgaria within NATO, support for Ukraine and the strengthening of ties with European partners.
У in the first round On 25 October, Yotova received approximately 34.7% of the vote, whilst Gyurov received 31.9%. The difference between the candidates was less than three percentage points.
The election saw a record-low turnout: according to official figures, only 22.9% of voters cast their ballots.
Why the elections are important for Ukraine and the Black Sea region
The presidential elections are taking place against the backdrop of a series of drone attacks on merchant ships off the Bulgarian coast. According to reports from international agencies, around two dozen seafarers were killed or are missing as a result of the incidents.
At the end of October, a Greek container ship sank following an attack by maritime drones. The Bulgarian government has called on its allies to step up maritime security in the Black Sea.
Both candidates have condemned the attacks on civilian vessels, but their approaches to relations with Russia differ.
Although the President of Bulgaria has mainly ceremonial powers, he is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, is involved in the appointment of senior officials and can veto laws.
The political balance between the presidency and Rumen Radev’s government will also depend on the outcome of the vote.
Polling stations opened at 07:00 local time and will remain open until 20:00. More than 6.5 million citizens are eligible to vote. The first exit poll results are expected once voting has concluded, whilst the official results will be announced on 2 November.
