Bulgarians vote in tense second round
Iliana Jotova and Andrey Gjurov vie for the presidency after a low turnout in the first round and concerns over security and the economy.
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The second round of Bulgaria’s presidential election began on Sunday. Acting President Iliana Jotova is facing former interim prime minister Andrey Gjurov in a race overshadowed, according to the Associated Press, by regional security concerns and economic problems.
Jotova held a 2.8 percentage-point lead over Gjurov in the first round. According to Bulgaria’s election authorities, turnout then stood at just 23 per cent of eligible voters, a sign of political fatigue and distrust.
Bulgaria’s president has less executive power than the government, but is directly elected and influences the country’s approach to security and foreign-policy matters. The result could therefore have implications for Bulgaria’s position within the European Union and NATO.
The election is taking place against a backdrop of regional security threats, including tensions around the Black Sea. Economic concerns are also playing a role, according to reports on the campaign.
Jotova is seen as the candidate of the established, more left-leaning forces. Gjurov is supported by reform-minded opposition parties that emphasise institutional renewal and a clearer pro-European course.
Dutch interest is focused mainly on the possible consequences for European decision-making and security on the EU’s eastern flank. The election will not automatically change the composition of the Bulgarian government, but it could influence the balance of power and the tone of foreign policy.
The result will only become clear after the polls close and the votes are counted. No result is known yet.
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One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Bulgaria is holding a second round for the presidency on 1 November.
- Iliana Jotova and Andrey Gjurov are the candidates.
- According to election authorities, turnout in the first round was 23 per cent.
Left
Arguments Emphasises social security, public services and a president who does not allow regional tensions to escalate further.
Values Equality, social protection and international cooperation.
Consequences Fears that further polarisation and low turnout will undermine confidence in democracy.
Centre
Arguments Emphasises stable institutions, verifiable elections and cooperation with the EU and NATO without deepening domestic divisions.
Values Administrative continuity, the rule of law and pragmatism.
Consequences Sees risks both in weak legitimacy caused by low turnout and in abrupt changes of direction.
Right
Arguments Emphasises national security, border protection and a president who firmly defends Bulgarian interests in a turbulent region.
Values Sovereignty, security and national cohesion.
Consequences Fears that division and low turnout will reduce resilience in the face of external pressure.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The candidates, the first-round lead and turnout are drawn from AP and Bulgarian reporting. The text makes clear that the second round has not yet produced a result.
- confirmed Iliana Jotova and Andrey Gjurov are taking part in the second round on 1 November. — Confirmed by AP and the Bulgarian News Agency. source
- confirmed Jotova held a 2.8 percentage-point lead in the first round. — Mentioned in AP reporting. source
- confirmed Turnout in the first round was 23 per cent. — Mentioned by AP, based on election authorities. source
Editor's note
This article describes the voting process; the result was not yet known at the time of publication.Sources
- Bulgarians vote in a presidential runoff marked by regional security threats — Associated Press
- Iotova and Gurov to Face Off in Presidential Runoff on November 1 — Bulgarian News Agency
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „bulgarije verkiezingen”
- NU.nl — „bulgarije verkiezingen”
- De Telegraaf — „bulgarije verkiezingen”