Bulgarians vote for president in shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine

What happened: Bulgarians are voting in a presidential election, with President Iliana Iotova and ex-caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov leading a field of 27 candidates. Key numbers: Alpha Research polls give Iotova 41 percent and Gyurov 28 percent. Turnout must exceed 50 percent of 6.6 million registered voters; Sunday turnout is expected below 40 percent, pointing to a November 1 run-off. Why it matters: The presidency is largely ceremonial but carries political authority, and the two frontrunners differ on the war in Ukraine. Analysts expect no outright first-round winner.

Bulgarians are voting in a presidential election, with President Iliana Iotova and ex-caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov leading a field of 27 candidates.

The presidency is largely ceremonial but carries political authority, and the two frontrunners differ on the war in Ukraine. Analysts expect no outright first-round winner.