Bulgarians Vote in Presidential Run-Off as Iotova Faces Gyurov Under Shadow of Black Sea Ship Attacks

Voting is under way in Bulgaria's presidential run-off on Sunday, as voters choose between the two remaining candidates amid growing regional security threats and domestic economic concerns.

President Iliana Iotova, 61, led the first round over former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, 50, but fell short of the 50 percent threshold needed to win outright, sending the contest to a run-off.

According to election officials, the first round drew record low turnout, with only 23 percent of eligible voters casting a ballot. The low turnout has remained a central talking point in the run-off as well.

Exit polls will be published after voting ends at 8pm (18:00 GMT) on Sunday, with a result expected on Monday.

The presidential vote comes against the backdrop of a series of drone attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast over the past month, which have sparked international condemnation and concerns about the growing reach of Russia's war on Ukraine.

About two dozen seafarers are feared dead in the strikes, and the attacks have prompted the government to seek help from Bulgaria's allies to bolster maritime security. On Wednesday, a Greek container ship sank after being hit by sea drones.

Both leading presidential candidates have condemned the attacks. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who backs Iotova, said the strikes' outcome 'benefits the Russian Federation'. Both candidates have called for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine.

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 on what many political analysts considered a Kremlin-friendly ticket.

Gyurov, who served as caretaker prime minister this year, is supported by pro-Western, reformist parties and has long expressed support for Ukraine. He signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his time as premier.

Gyurov said he wants Bulgaria to be a reliable NATO ally able to stand up for its interests with strong diplomacy and a firm position. A host of right-leaning political figures, among them ex-Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, have expressed support for Gyurov.