Yotova, 62, became acting president in January after Rumen Radev stepped down to run for parliament. She is running as an independent but with the backing of Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party and the Socialist Party. She has called for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine and improved relations with Russia. “I believe that there must be peace, stability, and security,” she said after voting. A win for Yotova would make her Bulgaria’s first elected female president.

Gyurov, 50, is supported by pro-Western opposition parties. As caretaker prime minister, he signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine. He has called for stronger NATO ties and support for Kyiv. “I want Bulgaria to have a voice of its own in Europe. A reliable NATO ally that defends its interests through preparedness, strong diplomacy and a clear position,” he said in a campaign speech.

Turnout estimates vary. DW reported 15.1% by 3 p.m. local time, while Al Jazeera put it at 22.2% by 8 p.m. local time. Yotova led in most reports, but vote shares ranged from 35–47% for her and 28–33.5% for Gyurov.

Bulgaria, the EU’s poorest member state, has faced multiple elections and coalition breakdowns in recent years. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said the vote took place peacefully, with no reports of vote-buying or manipulation.

The November 1 runoff will test Bulgaria’s political direction. Yotova would continue Radev’s pro-European but pro-Moscow stance, while Gyurov seeks a more assertive Euro-Atlantic alignment. Both candidates called for unity, but their contrasting visions reflect deep national divisions.