Incumbent Bulgarian President Iliana Jotowa led the country's presidential runoff according to two exit polls published after polling stations closed on Sunday evening. Both surveys put her at about 51%, while former interim Prime Minister Andrej Gjurow was at 43% to 45%. Official results are expected on Monday.
The 61-year-old Jotowa is allied with the camp of Prime Minister Rumen Radew, who is regarded as Russia-friendly. Gjurow is backed by pro-Western and reform-oriented parties. In the first round a week earlier, with 27 candidates, Jotowa received the most votes but fell short of an absolute majority amid historically low turnout.
Exit polls indicated turnout in the runoff at roughly 27% to 29%, somewhat higher than the first round on Oct. 25, when it reached 23%, a historic low.
The election for the largely representative office is being held amid drone attacks off Bulgaria's coast. According to authorities, at least six merchant ships have been attacked by drones in recent weeks, raising concerns in the EU and NATO member about the Ukraine war widening. Ukraine blames Russia for the attacks. Radew said the attacks appeared to benefit Russia, while Moscow denied responsibility. Jotowa and Gjurow condemned the attacks and called for a diplomatic end to the war.
If Jotowa wins, she would become Bulgaria's first directly elected female president. She took office on an interim basis in January after Radew resigned to run in April's parliamentary election, which he won with a Russia-friendly program. Radew opposes military support for Ukraine and promoted better relations with Moscow and the resumption of Russian oil and gas supplies, but after his election he pledged a pro-European policy.
Gjurow, 50, served as transitional prime minister this year and is seen as a supporter of Ukraine. During his term he signed a security agreement with the government in Kyiv. Several conservative and right-wing politicians, including former Prime Minister Bojko Borissow, supported Gjurow.
Sources: Der Spiegel.