In brief
On November 1, Bulgaria held a presidential runoff in which the Iliana Iotova–Kiril Valchev ticket won a 51.6 % share according to exit polls. Progressive Bulgaria floor leader Petar Vitanov and MP Dimitar Zdravkov celebrated the record turnout, saying the result was predictable and that the winner was fully legitimate. The turnout was roughly 10 % higher than the first round, a level not seen since the 1990s.
Bulgarian voters filled the streets of Sofia on Sunday, November 1, to decide the next president in a runoff that ended with a clear win for Iliana Iotova and running mate Kiril Valchev.
According to exit polls released by five agencies, the Iotova‑Valchev ticket secured about 51.6 % of the vote, while the rival pair of Andrey Gurov and Georgi Kandev received around 43.4 %.
Progressive Bulgaria floor leader Petar Vitanov thanked voters and said the turnout would lift Bulgaria’s stability.
"Bulgaria will be more stable and calmer after Monday," Vitanov told reporters at the Iotova‑Kiril Valchev campaign headquarters.
Vitanov added that the share of voters was almost one‑third higher than in the first round, calling it an unprecedented rise.
Representative Dimitar Zdravkov said the outcome was expected and reflected public expectations.
"The trend we are seeing is logical and reflects public expectations," Zdravkov said in a press briefing.
He further urged rivals to field stronger candidates for the next presidential election and noted that the presidential vote is separate from parliamentary contests.
The runoff record turnout, which topped 50 % of registered voters, is the highest second‑round participation Bulgaria has seen in two decades.
It shows a growing willingness of citizens to face bad weather and negative campaigning to make their voices heard.
With the result now clear, voters are looking forward to a new administration under Iotova that teachers, business and civic groups expect will bring stability to the nation.
