Exit polls show Bulgaria's acting president Iotova leading the presidential runoff

Exit polls after Sunday's runoff gave Bulgaria's acting president, Iliana Iotova, about 51% of the vote, ahead of pro-Western rival Andrey Gyurov, a banker and former caretaker prime minister, at about 43% to 45%. Turnout was about 27% to 29%, up from the first round's record low. Official results are expected Monday. If confirmed, Iotova would be Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency is largely ceremonial.

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Why it matters

Bulgaria's president is largely ceremonial, but the runoff pitted a candidate who favors negotiations with Russia and opposes military aid to Ukraine against one who backs stronger support for Ukraine. The vote came after drone attacks on commercial ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast last month.

What to watch

Official results are expected Monday, November 2.

How each side sees it

Iotova saysShe voted for "a strong state in a strong Europe," wants Bulgaria to have its own foreign policy, and says peace in Ukraine can come only through negotiations; she opposes military aid to Ukraine.

Gyurov saysHe voted for "a secure, stable and European Bulgaria" and says "Russia must stop its aggression"; he backs closer ties with Western partners and stronger support for Ukraine.

Sources

Checked against 3 established news sources:

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Published Sunday, November 1, 2026. Spot an error? Email [email protected]. See our corrections log and standards.