In the Bulgarian presidential election, the incumbent, Ilijana Jotowa, is leading the race, according to predictions from the Alpha Research Institute. She is projected to receive nearly 35% of the votes, while former Prime Minister Andrej Gjurow follows closely with just under 33%.
Although both candidates are formally running as independents, they are backed by different political factions. Jotowa, who assumed the presidency earlier this year following the resignation of Rumen Radew, is supported by a center-left alliance. In contrast, Gjurow is favored by the more conservative wing of the political spectrum.
Since neither candidate secured over 50% of the votes on Sunday, a runoff election will be held next week.
