In brief
The runoff began Sunday in Sofia, with Iotova paired with Kiril Valchev and Gurov backed by Georgi Kandev. Nearly 6.6 million eligible voters have taken to the polls, while authorities monitor the vote under the Central Election Commission.
Bulgarians went to the polls on Sunday for a second‑round presidential and vice‑presidential contest between incumbent President Iliana Iotova and challenger Andrey Gurov, with almost 6.6 million eligible voters casting ballots, Xinhua reports.
Iotova runs with former deputy prime minister Kiril Valchev on the presidential ticket, while Gurov’s running mate is former minister Georgi Kandev, the outlet stated.
The runoff, which followed a first‑round held on October 20, was scheduled to decide whether the incumbent will secure a second term. The vote will also determine the vice‑president who will serve alongside the elected president, Xinhua added.
Bulgarian authorities reported that polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time and have been operating under the oversight of the Central Election Commission. Registration and voting procedures have been consistent with the country’s electoral regulations, the bulletin said.
Both parties have emphasized the importance of a peaceful transition. The election is being watched closely by domestic and international observers, who have praised the country’s adherence to democratic norms, the report noted.
As the nation casts its ballots, the final outcomes will be announced after a count that is expected to take several hours, with results projected to be released by the evening, Xinhua said.
