Iliana Yotova wins Bulgaria presidential runoff election

Acting President Iliana Yotova is the apparent winner of Bulgaria's presidential runoff, according to initial results of the vote count on Sunday. If confirmed by official results, Yotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female head of state.

Election Results and Turnout

Preliminary results from several polling agencies and the central election commission show Yotova received approximately 57.6% to 58% of the vote. Her main rival, former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, received between 38% and 39.5% of the vote. Gyurov conceded defeat, stating that "this is how the Bulgarian citizens have voted."

Turnout for the election was reported as low in both rounds of voting:

• First round (Oct. 25): 23% turnout.
• Runoff round: Approximately 27% to 29% turnout.

Political Context

Yotova, 62, has served twice as Bulgaria's vice president under President Rumen Radev. Radev stepped down in January 2026 to run for parliament, at which point Yotova took over the presidency. Yotova was endorsed by Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party, which won 131 of the 240 seats in Parliament in April.

Observers note that a victory for Yotova will keep the presidency in the hands of the governing majority. Such a concentration of power could prevent the effective maintenance of checks and balances on policy decisions by institutions, according to observers.

Foreign Policy and Ukraine

The election was widely viewed as a referendum on Bulgaria's foreign policy regarding the war in Ukraine.

• Iliana Yotova: Described herself as the "president of peace," Yotova advocates for a settlement involving both Ukraine and Russia, stating that "peace could come only through negotiations." She has opposed providing military support for Ukraine and supports lifting sanctions on Russia.
• Andrey Gyurov: Campaigned on supporting Ukraine and has been described as staunchly pro-European and pro-Ukrainian.

While both Yotova and Radev have called for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, they have remained evasive regarding possible Russian involvement in drone attacks in the Black Sea region.

Why it matters

Yotova's victory maintains the current government's control over the presidency. Her administration is expected to continue the policy of keeping Bulgaria on its European path while supporting better relations with Russia.

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Sources

• pbs.org: Initial results suggest Iliana Yotova wins runoff to become Bulgaria’s 1st elected female president | PBS News
• upi.com: Bulgarian acting President Iliana Yotova wins runoff election - UPI.com
• dw.com: Bulgaria: Self-styled 'president of peace' Yotova wins vote
• meduza.io: Bulgaria set to elect its first female president as Russia-friendly Iliana Yotova wins runoff — Meduza

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.