Bulgarians cast ballots in a presidential election on October 25, with 27 names appearing on the ballot. Radio Svoboda (svoboda.org) reported the developments on Sunday, October 25.

Pre-election polling put incumbent President Iliyana Yotova in front with roughly 45% support. She favors dialogue with Moscow and opposes sending military aid to Ukraine. Former acting prime minister Andrey Gyurov, who backs Kyiv and closer cooperation with the European Union and NATO, followed at about 30%, while Revival leader Kostadin Kostadinov polled near 12%.

Security in the Black Sea became a defining campaign issue after drones struck four commercial vessels near Bulgaria’s coast in October. Two ships sank, and crew members were reported dead or missing. Although the incidents occurred in international waters, they were within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, prompting Sofia to seek NATO assistance.

The election debate also focused on inflation, higher fuel prices and the country’s economic slowdown. Bulgaria’s presidency is largely ceremonial, but the office carries the power to veto legislation, sign international treaties, appoint diplomats and serve as commander-in-chief.