Bulgarians vote in presidential run-off amid Black Sea tensions

The run-off follows a first round where Iotova, 61, led over Gyurov, 50, but fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to win. The first round drew record low turnout, with only 23 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot, according to election officials.

Regional Security Threats

The presidential vote comes against the backdrop of a series of drone attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast in the past month, which have sparked international condemnation. About two dozen seafarers are feared dead, and the strikes have prompted the government to seek help from allies to bolster maritime security.

Stakes in the Election

A victory for Iotova would make her Bulgaria's first elected female president. She became acting president in January after Radev resigned to enter and win a parliamentary race. Gyurov, supported by pro-Western, reformist parties, has long expressed support for Ukraine and signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his time as premier.

Both candidates have condemned the attacks and called for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine. Gyurov said he wants Bulgaria to be a reliable NATO ally able to stand up its interests with strong diplomacy and a firm position.