Exit polls in Bulgaria indicate that Iliana Yotova has won the presidential runoff, positioning her to become the nation’s first elected female head of state. With approximately 52% of the vote, Yotova, backed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party, defeated pro-Western opposition candidate Andrey Gyurov. Her victory is expected to maintain Bulgaria’s European trajectory while advocating for improved relations with Russia and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
New exit poll results from Bulgaria indicate a historic outcome in the country's presidential runoff: Iliana Yotova is projected as the clear winner, set to become the nation's first elected female head of state. Official partial results are anticipated later today, Sunday.
Surveys conducted by several polling organizations show Yotova securing approximately 52% of the vote. If these figures are confirmed by official counts, her victory will mark a significant milestone in Bulgarian politics.
Bulgarian President and presidential candidate Iliana Iotova casts her ballot at a polling station during the second round of Bulgaria's presidential election in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Nov. 1, 2026. Image credit: Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images.
Her opponent, former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, who had the backing of reformist pro-Western opposition parties, is reportedly trailing with around 44% of the vote.
This election represented a crucial test for Prime Minister Rumen Radev's Moscow-friendly Progressive Bulgaria party, which had endorsed Yotova. Following their landslide victory in April's parliamentary elections, securing 131 out of 240 seats, this presidential win further consolidates their political power.
Political observers express concerns that a Yotova presidency, aligned with the governing majority, could lead to a concentration of power. Such a scenario might hinder institutions from effectively performing their crucial role in maintaining checks and balances on policy decisions, they suggest.
Yotova, 62, assumed the presidency in January after Radev stepped down to run for parliament, and this election sought her own elected mandate. She is widely expected to continue Radev's established policy of steering Bulgaria along its European path, while simultaneously advocating for improved relations with Russia and the lifting of sanctions.
After casting her ballot on Sunday, Yotova conveyed her vision, stating she voted for a Bulgaria that asserts its own decisions and maintains a strong presence on the international stage. "I voted for national consensus through dialogue, for institutions that work for citizens, for a strong state with its own foreign policy in a strong Europe," she told reporters.
Bulgaria became a member of NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. While there is a broad parliamentary consensus on the country's pro-Western orientation, deeply rooted pro-Russia sentiments, stemming from historical and cultural ties, have created societal divisions, particularly exacerbated since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Both Yotova and Radev have called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, yet they have remained non-committal regarding potential Russian involvement in drone attacks observed in the Black Sea region.
During a televised debate with her presidential rival, Yotova emphasized that "peace could come only through negotiations," advocating for a settlement involving both Ukraine and Russia. She also proposed a regional security meeting for all six Black Sea countries to establish a moratorium on hostilities.
While the Bulgarian presidency is largely ceremonial, lacking direct executive powers (as parliament must approve major policies), the direct election grants the president significant political authority. The head of state commands the armed forces, possesses the power to veto legislation, signs international treaties, and appoints ambassadors.
Bulgarian presidents are elected directly for a five-year term and are limited to serving a maximum of two terms.
