Bulgaria presidential election goes to second round, turnout at 22.5 percent

The first round of Bulgaria's presidential election has concluded; according to unofficial results, the race is heading to a second round.

According to Alpha Research data shared by Bulgarian National Television (BNT), incumbent President Iliyana Yotova and her vice-presidential running mate Kiril Valchev received 34.6 percent of the vote, while former Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and his running mate Georgi Kandev received 32.7 percent. Voter turnout was announced at 22.5 percent according to Alpha Research. In the unofficial results from a separate company, Myara, Yotova received 35 percent and Gyurov 31.9 percent; turnout was stated at 22.2 percent.

Based on these figures, Yotova and Gyurov will face each other in a second round on November 1.

Yotova, making her first statement on election day, expressed concern over the low turnout and said she would continue her campaign. Gyurov, for his part, invited Yotova to an open, honest, and civil debate ahead of the second round.

The story was reported by Anadolu Agency.