Bulgarians are voting in presidential elections on Sunday amid concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine affecting Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. The leading candidates are acting President Iliana Iotova, 61, and former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, 50, in a race with 27 candidates total. The election gained importance due to recent drone attacks on merchant ships, resulting in the death of around 20 international seafarers, which raised issues about maritime security and drew international condemnation.
Though Bulgaria has not directly blamed Russia for the attacks, Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggested that the situation benefits Russia. Both candidates have criticized the attacks but differ in their views on the war. Gyurov has strong support from pro-Western parties and favors aiding Ukraine, while Iotova, who became acting president after Radev’s resignation, calls for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Current polls show Iotova with 41% support and Gyurov with 28%. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will be held on November 1. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
With information from Reuters
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