According to polls conducted after the vote, the second round of presidential elections in Bulgaria appears to be leading to the incumbent candidate Ilijana Iotova’s victory.

Initial forecasts suggest Iovova, ruling centre-left party candidate Bulgaria Progress ( The PB can secure 52% of the vote.

If this result is officially confirmed, she will become the first woman elected at the helm of the Bulgarian state.

Former interim prime minister and rival Andrej Djurov ʹ supported by pro-Western opposition parties reportedly is behind him, with about 45% of the vote.

The war in Ukraine, not far from Bulgaria, has played an important role in this country’s elections, located on the east side of NATO.

Throughout the election campaign, Iova repeatedly called for a peaceful solution for Ukraine through negotiations with Russia.

She said she wants to be a President of Peace for Bulgaria.

During the campaign, Djurov said in favour of a greater approach to Western partners and stronger support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggressive war.

This vote was the first major test for the party Bulgarian Progress which supports Jotova and is recognised for its friendly stances towards Moscow ʹ party linked to Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

The 62-year-old politician took over the presidential post in January, when Radev resigned to run for parliament.

Observers expect it to continue Radev’s policy: keep Bulgaria on its European path, while simultaneously supporting better relations with Russia and lifting sanctions.

The elections in this EU country in Southeast Europe were overshadowed by the conflict in Ukraine.

In the Bulgarian economic zone on the Black Sea, as well as in neighbouring Romania, fears of commercial ships have become increasingly frequent in recent weeks.

The president’s position in Bulgaria is largely ceremonial. The head of state does not have executive competencies, and all key policies must be approved by parliament; however, direct election gives the president a greater political authority.

The president is commander of the armed forces, has the right to veto laws, sign international treaties and appoint ambassadors.

The presidents in Bulgaria are elected directly for a five-year term and can serve no more than two mandates. /Telegraphy/