Iliana Iotova Wins Bulgaria Presidential Runoff with 57.6% of Vote
With almost all polling-station protocols counted, Iliana Iotova won Bulgaria’s presidential runoff on around 57.6% of the vote.
Bulgaria has elected Iliana Iotova as its first female president chosen by voters after the acting head of state won Sunday's runoff by a clear margin, election authorities reported on Monday, 2 November.
With 99.95% of polling-station protocols processed, Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission recorded 57.58% for Iotova and 39.46% for Andrey Gyurov, a former caretaker prime minister backed by pro-Western reformist parties. Gyurov conceded, while the published figures remained subject to the final certification process.
The election was not marked by high participation. Turnout was around 27%, according to Radio Bulgaria, a reminder that the new president will take office following a contest in which most eligible voters did not cast a ballot.
From acting president to elected head of state
Iotova, 62, became acting president in January when Rumen Radev resigned to contest parliamentary elections. Her date of birth, 24 October 1964, is recorded in the official presidential biography. Radev subsequently became prime minister and supported her presidential campaign. Her election means she will receive a full five-year mandate rather than continuing in an acting capacity.
The inauguration is expected on 22 January, with Kiril Valchev as vice president. Bulgaria's presidency is not the main centre of executive power, which sits with the government and parliament, but the office carries constitutional authority including a role in legislation and military leadership.
Foreign policy differences shaped the campaign
Iotova and Gyurov differed over Bulgaria's posture towards Russia's war in Ukraine. Iotova favoured a negotiated end to the fighting and opposed further Bulgarian military aid. Gyurov argued for a firmer pro-Ukraine position and closer cooperation with Western partners.
Those differences unfolded as Bulgaria faced growing concern about attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. Both candidates condemned the maritime incidents, but disagreed on how the country should balance security and diplomacy.
The result gives Iotova an elected mandate, although the office has less direct executive power than the government. Her relationship with the governing majority and opposition parties will be an early test.
Radio Bulgaria reported that Iotova led in 28 electoral districts, while Gyurov led in three. That geographic distribution, alongside turnout of about 27%, helps put the headline result in context.
Sources and further reading: Reuters · Associated Press · Radio Bulgaria · Bulgarian presidency.
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Musa Ersoy
Musa Ersoy is an editor and writer at DEFUXA Global News, covering developments in the United Kingdom and around the world. He researches news stories using official statements, credible sources and independently verifiable information. His editorial work focuses on factual ac…
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