Bulgaria's Moscow-friendly president Iliana Yotova is forced into a runoff after pro-Ukraine rival Andrey Gyurov closes the gap
A cargo vessel damaged in drone strikes on the Black Sea in October, as Bulgaria prepares to vote with 21 people still missing after four ships were struck off its coast this month.Iliana Iotova, who has campaigned as a 'president of peace' and opposes military aid to Ukraine, would become Bulgaria's first woman elected to the presidency if she wins the November 1 runoff.
Final Central Election Commission figures gave Yotova 34.76 per cent against Gyurov's 31.95 per cent, well short of the 41-47 per cent polls had predicted for her. Turnout sank to a record low of about 22.5 per cent. Nationalist Kostadin Kostadinov came a distant third on 12.55 per cent. The pair will meet again in the runoff on November 1.
Yotova opposes military aid to Kyiv and is backed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev's camp.
While serving as caretaker prime minister this year, Gyurov concluded a security pact with Ukraine.
Gyurov has challenged Yotova to an 'open, honest and civilised debate' before the runoff.
