Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova Wins Runoff Election According to Exit Polls

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova won the presidential runoff vote on Sunday, November 1, 2026, according to exit polls. She is projected to receive between 50.7% and 52.5% of the vote. Her opponent, Andrey Gyurov, is projected to get between 43.4% and 44%. Ms. Iotova favours dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine. Mr. Gyurov is a banker and former caretaker Prime Minister backed by the pro-Western opposition.

Election Context

The vote took place in the country of 6.4 million people amid security concerns in EU and NATO member states. A series of drone attacks struck commercial vessels in the Black Sea off Bulgaria in October, leaving 21 people missing. Ms. Iotova took over the post of president earlier this year from Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Sunday's vote puts her on track to become the first elected woman president in the country. In the first round of voting last week, Ms. Iotova took 35% while Mr. Gyurov took 32%.

Candidate Views

Ms. Iotova said she wanted Bulgaria to be strong in a strong Europe and sovereign in its decisions. She argues that peace in Ukraine can be achieved only through negotiations. Mr. Gyurov said he voted for a secure, stable, and European Bulgaria. During a television debate, he criticised Ms. Iotova for not explicitly blaming Russia for the Black Sea attacks. Meanwhile, voters expressed mixed feelings at the polls. Sixty-four-year-old teacher Krassimira Kostova said she voted despite dissatisfaction with both candidates. Petar Doitchinov, a retired engineer, said he voted for the lesser evil as neither candidate matched his vision of democracy.

Context

Bulgaria is an EU and NATO member state that remains historically close to Russia and deeply divided over its relationship with Moscow. Presidential elections in the country involve a largely ceremonial post, though the office holder represents the nation on key foreign policy and domestic matters.