Sofia, October 25 (QNA) - Bulgarians went to the polls on Sunday to elect a president, with mounting economic pressures and growing security concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine dominating the campaign.
Inflation and rising energy prices have added to public anxiety, while recent drone attacks on commercial vessels off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast have heightened fears over the conflict's spillover into the region. The attacks have prompted the government to seek allied assistance to bolster maritime security.
A total of 27 candidates are contesting the election, which is also seen as a key test for Prime Minister Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party following its victory in April's parliamentary elections.
Opinion polls put acting President Iliana Iotova, 61, and former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, 50, at the forefront of the race.
The two candidates have sharply contrasting positions on the war in Ukraine and Bulgaria's foreign policy. Iotova advocates a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, while Gyurov has voiced strong support for Ukraine.
If no candidate secures a majority in the first round, a runoff will be held on November 1. (QNA)