The first round of Bulgaria's presidential election concluded with a record low voter turnout, leading to a runoff between incumbent President Iliana Iotova and challenger Andrey Gyurov. With nearly all protocols processed, Iotova holds a narrow lead over Gyurov, with percentages around 34.6% and 32.04% respectively. Political analysis suggests strategic errors were made by Iotova's campaign. The runoff is scheduled for November 1.

Mediapool: Bulgarian Presidential Election: Yotova Leads with 34.6%, Gyurov at 32.04%…

With 99% of the protocols processed in the Bulgarian presidential election, Yotova has secured 34.6% of the vote, while Gyurov has 32.04%. The results are being updated.

Sega: Yotova Leads with Under 3% Margin as 99.94% of Protocols Processed

Following the election, Iotova, the current President of Bulgaria, is reported to be leading with a narrow margin of less than 3% after nearly all voting protocols have been processed.

Capital: Record Low Turnout Ties Iotova and Gyurov for Run-off

With 99.95% of protocols processed, a record low voter turnout has resulted in Iliana Iotova, President of Bulgaria, and Andrey Gyurov, a presidential candidate, being neck-and-neck for the presidential run-off election.

Mediapool: 100% Parallel Count: The Intrigue Between Yotova and Gyurov Intensifies…

With a 100% parallel vote count, the competition between presidential candidates Iotova and Gyurov is becoming more intense.

Dnevnik: With almost 100% of protocols processed, Iotova wins by just over 2.8 points

With nearly all presidential election protocols processed, Iliana Iotova, President of Bulgaria, has secured a victory with a margin of just over 2.8 points against Andrey Gyurov, a presidential candidate.

OFFNews: Kremlin strategists failed; Yotova made strategic mistakes

A political analysis suggests that Kremlin strategists made errors, and Iotova committed strategic blunders, implying significant political consequences.

OFFNews: 99% of protocols counted: Yotova's lead is around 40,000 votes

With 99% of election protocols tallied, Iotova holds a lead of approximately 40,000 votes, indicating a tight race.

CNN: Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout

The presidential election in Bulgaria on Sunday ended inconclusively, with the next head of state to be picked in a runoff, according to election officials. A record low turnout, attributed by observers to a general mistrust in politicians resulting in voter apathy, will pit two contrasting political visions against each other in a highly polarized contest on Nov. 1.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the upcoming runoff election will present a choice between "peace and war." Presidential candidate Iliana Iotova announced her campaign's focus on conveying a message of peace until the runoff. Meanwhile, politician Radostin Vasilev advised voters to either support Andrey Gyurov in the runoff or abstain. Gyurov's campaign has reportedly increased the electorate for the 'We Continue the Change' and 'Democratic Bulgaria' parties by 18% and he secured…

Dnevnik: Radev: On Sunday we will choose between peace and war

Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that on Sunday, Bulgarians will choose between peace and war, implying a significant decision ahead in the presidential elections.

OFFNews: Radev: On Sunday, we will choose between peace and war

Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the upcoming election on Sunday will present voters with a choice between peace and war.

Mediapool: Yotova: Until the Runoff, We Will Strive for Our Message of Peace to Be Heard

Presidential candidate Iotova stated that her campaign will focus on ensuring their message of peace resonates with voters leading up to the runoff election.

Mediapool: Radostin Vasilev: On the Runoff, Vote for Gyurov or Stay Home

Politician Radostin Vasilev advises voters to either cast their ballot for Gyurov in the runoff election or abstain from voting.

Sega: Gyurov Added 18% to PP and DB Electorate

According to an analysis, Andrey Gyurov's participation has resulted in an 18% increase in the electoral base for the 'We Continue the Change' and 'Democratic Bulgaria' parties.

OFFNews: Gurov and Kandev win Sofia districts with over double lead

Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev have secured victory in all three Sofia districts, holding a lead of more than double that of their closest competitors.

Dnevnik: Andrey Gyurov wins convincingly in all three capital electoral districts

Andrey Gyurov has achieved a decisive victory in all three electoral districts within the capital city.

A person has been charged in connection with the death of businessman and former MEP Slavi Binev, who was assassinated on October 24, 2026.

Capital: Business Breakfast: Gyurov Close to Iotova in Run-off; Capital 100 Sees 5%…

A business breakfast summary indicates Gyurov is close to Iotova for the run-off, Capital 100 reported 5% revenue growth, and someone has been charged in connection with the death of Slavi Binev, the deceased businessman and former MEP.

In a significant move, prosecutors have appointed a dissenting figure to the Supreme Judicial Council.

Mediapool: Historic: Prosecutors Have Involved a Rebel in the Supreme Judicial Council

In a significant development, prosecutors have reportedly appointed a dissenting figure to the Supreme Judicial Council.