In brief
On Sunday, November 1, Bulgaria’s presidential runoff concluded with Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev declared winners as the Central Election Commission released preliminary results. The early tally shows 57.94% of processed sheets for the Iotova‑Valchev ticket, with 39.01% for Andrey Gurov-Georgi Kandev. Exit polls and overseas turnout data provide a broader picture of voter engagement.
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, Bulgaria’s presidential runoff finished with Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev announced as winners by the Central Election Commission, who released preliminary counts showing 57.94% of the processed tally sheets for the Iotova‑Valchev ticket and 39.01% for the Gurov‑Kandev ticket.
In a statement, Iotova thanked voters—both supporters and those who did not vote for them—adding, "Their vote means a lot, because we will listen to what they have told us." Valchev welcomed Bulgarians abroad, saying the overseas voters would be his priority as vice‑president.
Turnout abroad was markedly higher in both North Macedonia and Romania, with 491 Bulgarians voting in seven polling stations in Skopje and 327 casting ballots at the embassy in Bucharest, surpassing first‑round figures, according to BTA’s report.
Parallel exit polls carried out by five agencies found Iotova‑Valchev leading from 56.1% up to 58.2%, while a national TV poll cited by Xinhua reported Alpha Research and Myara projecting 52.5% and 51.1% for Iotova, respectively, against 43‑44% for Gurov.
Only BTA reported that Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the outcome "the choice for peace, stability, normality, and a sustainable and clear outlook," following the victory announcement.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that all European polling stations—526 in total—closed without incident, and that voting also proceeded calmly at 44 stations in the United States and 15 in Canada. Interim results from 17.39% of tally sheets published by the CEC show the same 57.94% versus 39.01% split.
Official final results are expected no later than Wednesday, before the Iotova‑Valchev ticket’s term begins at the end of January 2027.
