Bulgarians vote for president as Russia’s war on Ukraine shapes campaign

Voting began in Bulgaria’s presidential election after a campaign focused on economic hardship and drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea. Twenty-seven candidates are on the ballot; incumbent President Iliana Iotova and former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov led in polling.

Alpha Research polls put Iotova at 41 percent and Gyurov at 28 percent. Analysts did not expect any candidate to win the outright majority required to take the presidency in the first round.

Polling stations opened at 7am local time (05:00 GMT) and were due to close at 8pm (18:00 GMT). Turnout was expected to fall below 40 percent of the 6.6 million registered voters, although it must exceed 50 percent for the election. A runoff on November 1 was considered likely.

Candidates differ on Ukraine

The election follows a series of drone attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria. The strikes likely killed about two dozen international seafarers, the source reported. They drew international condemnation, and Bulgaria sought help from allies to strengthen maritime security.

The Bulgarian government has not explicitly blamed Russia for the attacks. Prime Minister Rumen Radev said their outcome “benefits the Russian Federation.” Both leading presidential candidates condemned the strikes but differ on Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Gyurov, backed by pro-Western reformist parties, has expressed support for Ukraine. While serving as caretaker prime minister, he signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv.

Iotova became acting president in January after Radev resigned to enter the parliamentary election, which he won. Radev supports Iotova, and both have called for a diplomatic end to the war. Dobromir Zhivkov, managing director of polling agency Market Links, told The Associated Press that Iotova is among those advocating a more neutral Bulgarian position and an end to aid and arms deliveries to Ukraine.