Bulgaria to Hold Presidential Runoff: Yotova Leads With 34.6%, Radev Trails With 32%

No candidate in Bulgaria's presidential election first round managed to win the votes needed for victory. The information is being distributed by Deutsche Welle.

According to data from the country's Central Election Commission, after 95.3% of ballots were counted, incumbent President Iliana Yotova received 34.6% of the vote. Opposition candidate, former Prime Minister Andrei Gyurov, won 32%.

Voter turnout amounted to only 22.2%, which is significantly lower than the required threshold of more than 50%.

The runoff is expected to take place on November 1.

The president of Bulgaria has limited powers. The official represents the country internationally (with certain exceptions), serves as commander-in-chief, and signs decrees appointing the prosecutor general and heads of the supreme courts. The president also appoints the acting prime minister and has the right to veto laws adopted by parliament.