Bulgarians vote in presidential runoff with Black Sea security at stake

Bulgarians cast votes Sunday in a presidential runoff between acting President Iliana Yotova and pro-Western former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, with the country's posture toward Russia and Black Sea maritime security dominating the campaign.

Yotova, backed by President Rumen Radev's governing party, led the October 25 first round with 34.8 percent of votes against 32 percent for Gyurov. Turnout reached a record low of 22.98 percent, according to Bulgaria's Central Election Commission.

Yotova favours improved ties with Moscow and a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine. Gyurov, supported by reformist opposition parties, has advocated closer cooperation with Kyiv and Western allies.

The vote follows drone attacks on merchant vessels off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. An October 28 strike sank a hazardous-cargo container ship near Shabla, sharpening concerns over maritime security. The Bulgarian president holds the power to veto parliamentary legislation.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. local time and close at 8 p.m., with exit polls expected afterward and official results due Monday.