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Bulgaria holds presidential runoff between Yotova and Gyurov amid security concerns

Associated Press reports that acting President Iliana Yotova and former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov are in a runoff, with official results due Monday.

Updated Nov 1, 2026 · 13:18 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • Bulgarians voted Sunday in a presidential runoff between acting President Iliana Yotova and opposition candidate Andrey Gyurov.[Associated Press]
  • Yotova led the October 25 first round by 2.8 percentage points, with turnout at a record low of 23%, according to election officials.[Associated Press]
  • The vote takes place amid economic hardship and drone attacks on Black Sea shipping that have left several sailors dead or missing.[Associated Press]
  • Exit polls follow the 8 p.m. close of polling, and official results are due Monday.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • Bulgarians voted Sunday in a presidential runoff between acting President Iliana Yotova and former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov.[Associated Press]
  • Yotova beat Gyurov by 2.8 percentage points in the October 25 first round, which drew a record low turnout of 23% of eligible voters, according to election officials.[Associated Press]
  • Drone attacks on Black Sea shipping have left several sailors dead or missing, amid growing economic hardship in Bulgaria.[Associated Press]
  • During a TV debate this week, Yotova advocated a settlement involving Ukraine and Russia, saying peace could come only through negotiations.[Associated Press]
  • Gyurov has expressed firm support for Ukraine and signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his premiership.[Associated Press]
  • Exit poll results are expected after polls close at 8 p.m., with official results scheduled for announcement on Monday.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • The runoff outcome is not yet known, and official results are not expected until Monday.[Associated Press]
  • Observers' view that a Yotova victory would concentrate power and weaken checks and balances is an assessment, not an established outcome.[Associated Press]
  • The number of sailors dead or missing is described only as several, and the reporting does not give a precise count.[Associated Press]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.