Akshay DidwaniyaIncumbent president Iliana Yotova and running mate Kiril Valchev are leading Bulgaria’s presidential election, with nearly all ballots counted, Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission reports.
Yotova Holds Commanding Lead After Vote Count
Bulgaria’s sitting president, Iliana Yotova, and her vice presidential running mate, Kiril Valchev, are heading for victory in Bulgaria’s presidential election. They have secured 57.6% of the vote so far. This comes after election officials processed 98.43% of the ballots, according to Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission.
Runoff Vote Held on Sunday
Bulgarians cast ballots in a runoff election on Sunday. Voters had to choose between the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round. Incumbent president Yotova faced off against Andrey Gyurov, a former acting prime minister, for the country’s top job.
Vote Count Favors Yotova
Figures published on the Bulgarian Central Election Commission’s website show Yotova ahead with 57.63% support. Gyurov trails behind with 39.4% of the vote. As of 4:00 am Moscow time, officials had counted 98.43% of all protocols.
Rival Concedes Defeat
News agency Novinite earlier reported that Yotova’s opponent, Gyurov, ”has conceded defeat in the election.”
What the Role of Bulgaria’s President Involves
Bulgaria elects its president through a nationwide popular vote for a five year term. The role is largely ceremonial. However, the president holds veto power over laws. The president can also appoint a caretaker government under specific constitutional conditions and serves as commander in chief of the armed forces.
Mayur Mohta
Aditya Didwaniya
