Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout

Bulgaria’s presidential election concluded Sunday without a decisive winner, necessitating a runoff to determine the next head of state. Election officials confirmed that the contest will proceed to a second round following a record low voter turnout, which observers attribute to widespread public mistrust in politicians and general voter apathy.

The runoff will feature a contest between the incumbent leftist president, Iliana Yotova, and the pro-Western reformist challenger, Andrey Gyurov. This upcoming vote is expected to highlight significant ideological divisions regarding Bulgaria's future foreign policy and international relationships.