A first-round win requires both a majority of valid votes and participation by more than half of eligible voters. Reported turnout below 40% points to a second ballot.
Bulgaria’s voters are expected to return for a presidential runoff on November 1 after turnout in the October 25 first round fell below 40%, DW said. That level of participation prevents an outright first-round victory, regardless of any candidate’s share of the vote.
Under the election rules, a candidate must win more than half of valid votes and more than half of eligible voters must participate. If either requirement is not met, the two candidates with the most votes advance to a runoff.
Although Bulgaria’s presidency is largely ceremonial, the president can veto legislation and appoint interim governments during political crises. The president is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, giving the office a military role as well as powers over legislation and government formation.
President Iliana Yotova favors dialogue with Russia as a way to bring peace to Ukraine and opposes military aid to Ukraine. Her main challenger, former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov, signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine while leading an interim government.
The figures placing Yotova and Gyurov ahead were survey estimates, not election results. Official results remained pending on October 25 and were expected within 48 hours. Those results will determine which two candidates contest the November 1 runoff.
The first National Security Strategy in two decades commits to deeper European cooperation as Canada and the European Union discuss closer ties.
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Ukraine’s ombudsman plans food and medical aid for about 2,000 people in the Russian-occupied city on October 30, with mine clearance still under way.
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The change applies across pension schemes from 28 October 2026. Where the member died before 75 and had enough remaining allowance, delays beyond two years no longer make lump sums taxable.
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