---
title: "Bulgaria Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Amid Low Turnout"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout"
category: "Politics"
published: "2026-10-25T19:25:12.820Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-25T18:50:24.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-25T19:25:12.820Z"
trust_score: 30
critic_score: 45
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-25T20:30:11.963170+00:00"
---

# Bulgaria Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Amid Low Turnout

*Inconclusive results mean a second round of voting will be needed to elect the next head of state.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 30 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the Central Election Commission, but no named sources are quoted.
- Craft 45 of 100, higher is better. The digests provide basic facts but lack depth, context, or direct quotes from affected parties.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines emphasize 'record low turnout' and 'election shock' which is supported by the data presented.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Bulgaria's presidential election has concluded without a decisive winner, leading to a runoff election.
- Voter turnout was notably low, with 16.04% recorded by 4 p.m., a decrease from 24.12% at the same time in 2021.
- Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev are currently leading the vote count, with Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev close behind.
- One commentator suggested low turnout was due to voters believing they had already regained control of their country.

Bulgaria's presidential election has concluded without a clear winner, prompting a runoff to decide the next head of state. Voter turnout for the election was significantly lower than in the previous presidential contest. As of 4:00 p.m., the Central Election Commission reported that 16.04% of eligible voters had cast their ballots. This figure is substantially lower than the 24.12% turnout recorded at the same time during the 2021 presidential election.

Preliminary results indicate that the presidential candidate pair Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev are leading. Close behind them are Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev. The final results will determine the exact pairing for the upcoming runoff election.

## Turnout Disagreement

While most reports agree on the 16.04% turnout figure by 4 p.m., one unrated source, focus-news.net, included a statement from Emil Stoimenov attributing the low turnout to voters believing they had already reclaimed their country. Other reports did not include this specific statement or attribution.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated digests mention specific turnout figures for individual electoral districts, such as the highest in Sofia or the lowest in Kardzhali, which were reported by some unrated outlets. Additionally, the specific quote from Emil Stoimenov regarding voters believing they had taken back their country was not present in the centre or right-rated digests.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 13 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 46% (6)
- Centre: 46% (6)
- Right: 8% (1)

20 of 33 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-25T20:30:11.963170+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-25T21:30:07.860Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on the inconclusiveness of the election and the resulting runoff. They consistently reported the low voter turnout figures, often highlighting the comparison to the 2021 election. Several reports mentioned the leading candidates, Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev, and their close competitors Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev. The AP news agency was frequently cited as the source for the main reporting on the election's outcome and turnout.

### Centre

- The centre-rated report highlighted that the presidential election in Bulgaria has ended inconclusively and will head to a runoff. It also noted the record low turnout, attributing it to a general mistrust in politicians and voter apathy. The report mentioned that the runoff would pit two candidates against each other.

### Right

- The right-rated report stated that the presidential election in Bulgaria has ended inconclusively, with the next head of state to be picked in a runoff. It also noted a record low turnout, attributing it to general mistrust in politicians and voter apathy. The report indicated that two candidates would proceed to the runoff.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 1
- high: 5
- unknown: 20
- veryHigh: 7

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [focus-news.net](https://focus-news.net/novini/Bylgaria/Emil-Stoimenov-za-niskata-izbiratelna-aktivnost-Horata-si-pomisliha-che-sa-si-vurnali-durzhavata-i-za-tova-ne-glasuvaha-3045683) — Emil Stoimenov on the Low Voter Turnout: People Thought They Had Taken Back Their Country and that's Why They Didn't Vote
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Coast Reporter](https://coastreporter.net/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935738) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Prince George Citizen](https://princegeorgecitizen.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935738) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935738) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [The NOTL Local](https://notllocal.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Bradford Today](https://bradfordtoday.ca/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/world-news/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12935735) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [The Bakersfield Californian](https://bakersfield.com/ap/national/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout/article_4ddbf905-3764-5ca0-ab94-0a1d9ec66768.html) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [Beckley Register-Herald](https://register-herald.com/apnewsflow/nation/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout/article_4e432e21-4151-5004-ad47-107174372bb0.html) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [SooLeader.com](https://sooleader.com/michigan-news-ap/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout-12936584) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [varna24.bg](https://varna24.bg/novini/Bylgaria/Purvite-rezultati-sa-fakt-Iotova-vodi-na-prezidentskite-izbori-3045635) — The First Results Are in: Yotova Leads in the Presidential Election
- [Dnes.bg](https://dnes.bg/a/1-bulgaria/739826-trend-yotova-valchev-pechelyat-s-365-gyurov-i-kandev-blizo-do-tyah) — Trend: Yotova-Valchev Win with 36.5%, Gyurov and Kandev Close Behind - News From Dnes.bg
- [srpskainfo.com](https://srpskainfo.com/svijet/los-odziv-i-nepravilnosti-do-16-sati-na-predsjednickim-izborima-u-bugarskoj-glasalo-tek-16-biraca) — POOR RESPONSE AND IRREGULARITIES By 4 p.m., only 16% of Voters Had Voted in the Presidential Elections in Bulgaria.
- [antena3.ro](https://antena3.ro/externe/alegeri-prezidentiale-cu-prezenta-extrem-de-scazuta-in-bulgaria-pana-la-ora-16-venisera-la-vot-mai-putin-de-16-dintre-votanti-808581.html) — Presidential Elections with an Extremely Low Presence in Bulgaria. Less than 16% of Voters Had Come to the Vote by 16 O'clock
- [republika.mk](https://republika.mk/vesti/balkan/do-16-chasot-na-pretsedatelskite-izbori-vo-bugarija-glasale-16-04-otsto-od-izbirachite) — By 4 p.m., 16.04 Percent of Voters Had Voted in the Presidential Election in Bulgaria.
- [www.dnevnik.bg](https://dnevnik.bg/izbori-2026/2026/10/25/4971286_prezidentski_izbori_2026_ekzitpol_purvi_rezultati_i/?ref=rss) — Presidential Elections 2026: Exit Poll, First Results and Comments (Live)
- [standartnews.com](https://standartnews.com/balgariya-politika/shok-na-izborite-nay-niskata-aktivnost-651163.html) — Election Shock. Lowest Turnout - Politics — News Standard
- [Unknown](https://segabg.com/hot/category-bulgaria/gyurov-nastigna-yotova-pri-mizhav-interes-kum-izborite) — Gyurov Overtook Yotova Amid Low Interest in the Elections
- [Actualno.com](https://actualno.com/politics/kym-1600-chasa-izbiratelnata-aktivnost-v-stranata-e-1604-news_2654509.html) — As of 4:00 PM: Voter Turnout in the Country Is 16.04%
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/bulgaria/1093771-izbiratelnata-aktivnost-dostigna-1604-kam-1600-chasa) — Voter Turnout Reached 16.04% as of 4:00 p.m.
- [plovdiv24.bg](https://plovdiv24.bg/novini/Bylgaria/Trevozhni-danni-ot-CIK-Izbiratelnata-aktivnost-se-srina-s-edna-treta-spryamo-2021-g-3045547) — Alarming Data From the CEC: Voter Turnout Plummeted by a Third Compared to 2021.
- [Клуб 'Z'](https://clubz.bg/180981) — The Presidential Elections Did Not Excite Bulgarians. Especially in Kardzhali
- [frognews.bg](https://frognews.bg/novini/slab-interes-kam-prezidentskiia-vot-aktivnostta-kam-16-16-04procenta.html) — Low Interest in the Presidential Vote, Turnout as of 4 p.m. Is 16.04%
- [NBC News](https://nbcnews.com/world/europe/bulgaria-presidential-election-dominated-economic-hardship-ukraine-rcna605501) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/elections/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout/article_cd2cb67b-d3af-5453-aa04-987ffc2d8bdd.html) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [24ur.com](https://24ur.com/novice/tujina/bolgarija-izbira-novega-predsednika.html) — Bulgaria Elects New President
- [franceinfo.fr](https://franceinfo.fr/monde/europe/les-bulgares-votent-dimanche-pour-la-presidentielle-entre-craintes-securitaires-et-divisions-sur-la-guerre-en-ukraine_8253046.html) — Bulgarians Vote on Sunday for the Presidential Election, Between Security Fears and Divisions About the War in Ukraine
- [republika.mk](https://republika.mk/vesti/balkan/jotova-glaven-favorit-za-nova-pretsedatelka-na-bugarija-stavovite-kon-makedonija-nema-da-se-promenat) — Yotova Is the Main Favorite for the New President of Bulgaria, the Attitudes Towards Macedonia Will Not Change
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/presidential-race-in-bulgaria-heads-to-runoff-due-to-record-low-turnout) — Presidential race in Bulgaria heads to runoff due to record low turnout
- [suedtirolnews.it](https://suedtirolnews.it/politik/jotowa-bei-praesidentschaftswahl-in-bulgarien-favorisiert) — Jotova Favored in the Presidential Election in Bulgaria
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/politika/bulgaristan-da-secmenler-yeni-cumhurbaskani-icin-20364478-haberi) — In Bulgaria, Voters Are Casting Their Ballots for a New President at 12,070 Polling Stations.
- [Naslovi.net](https://naslovi.net/2026-10-25/nedeljnik/i-bugarska-glasa-na-predsednickim-izborima-ocekuje-se-drugi-krug/42527249) — Voting Has Begun in the Presidential Elections in Bulgaria, the Second Round Is Expected
- [5 канал](https://5.ua/svit/prezydentski-vybory-u-bolharii-na-posadu-pretenduiut-27-kandydativ-385251.html) — Bulgarian Presidential Elections: 27 Candidates Apply for Office
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/article/bulgaria-holds-a-presidential-election-dominated-by-economic-hardship-and-the-ukraine-war) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war
- [Apa](https://apa.az/europe/bolqaristanda-prezident-seckileri-27-namized-mubarize-aparir-ikinci-tur-gozlenilir-1008079) — Presidential Elections in Bulgaria: 27 Candidates Running, Second Round Expected
- [Gândul](https://gandul.ro/international/alegeri-prezidentiale-bulgaria-rumen-radev-prezenta-vot-21044579) — Bulgaria Elects Its President and Vice-President Sunday
- [bta.bg](https://bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1232246-voter-turnout-at-4-00-p-m-stands-at-16-04-compared-to-24-12-in-2021-president) — Voter Turnout at 4:00 P.M. Stands at 16.04% Compared to 24.12% in 2021 Presidential Election
- [P.M. News Nigeria](https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/10/25/bulgarians-vote-to-elect-new-president) — Bulgarians vote to elect new president
- [Quotidiano Nazionale](https://quotidiano.net/video/esteri/bulgaria-al-via-le-votazioni-per-le-elezioni-presidenziali-nliuh6fg) — Bulgaria, Voting for the Presidential Elections Begins
- [Lapresse](https://lapresse.it/video/2026/10/25/bulgaria-oggi-si-vota-per-eleggere-il-nuovo-presidente-le-immagini-dai-seggi) — Bulgaria, Today We Vote to Elect the New President: Images From the Seats
- [Avaz.ba](https://avaz.ba/vijesti/globus/1082817/bugarska-bira-predsjednika-dvoje-favorita-u-utrci) — Bulgaria Elects President: Two Favorites in the Race
- [Actualno.com](https://actualno.com/society/katastrofa-s-izbiratelnata-aktivnost-naj-slabijat-interes-kym-prezidentski-izbori-dosega-news_2654389.html) — Voter Turnout Disaster: The Weakest Interest in Presidential Elections Ever
- [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1093674-v-ukraina-komentirat-balgaria-glasuva-za-prezident-s-rekorden-broi-kandidati) — Ukraine Comments: Bulgaria Votes for President with Record Number of Candidates
- [notiziegeopolitiche.net](https://notiziegeopolitiche.net/bulgaria-si-vota-per-il-presidente-favorita-iliana-iotova-in-carica-da-gennaio-probabile-il-ballottaggio) — Bulgaria, Voting for President: Favorite Iliana Iotova, in Office Since January. Probabile the Ballot
- [Unknown](https://arabic.pressbee.net/show11074942.html?title=%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7) — Launching of the Presidential Elections in Bulgaria
- [newsmaker.md](https://newsmaker.md/ru/vybory-prezidenta-bolgarii-v-byulletene-27-kandidatov-glavnyh-favoritov-dvoe) — Bulgaria Has a Presidential Election: 27 Candidates on the Ballot Paper.
- [aletihad.ae](https://aletihad.ae/news/%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A/4701162/%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A6%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7) — Launching of the Presidential Elections in Bulgaria
- [Aktuality.sk](https://aktuality.sk/clanok/f9TLIEX/bulharsko-si-voli-prezidenta-iliana-jotova-je-podla-prieskumov-favoritkou) — Bulgaria Elects President, Iliana Jotová Is the Favorite According to Polls
- [topky.sk](https://topky.sk/cl/11/9538725/Bulharsko-voli-prezidenta--Jotova-zabojuje-o-mandat--obavy-vyvolavaju-aj-utoky-dronov) — Bulgaria Elects President: Jotová Vie for Mandate, Drone Attacks Also Raise Concerns
- [banker.bg](https://banker.bg/2026/10/25/niska-izbiratelna-aktivnost-izbori) — Low Voter Turnout Marks Start of Presidential Election
- [Dnes.bg](https://dnes.bg/a/1-bulgaria/739689-izklyuchitelno-niska-izbiratelna-aktivnost-v-parvite-chasove-na-vota) — Extremely Low Voter Turnout in the First Hours of Voting - News From Dnes.bg
- [Boston Globe](https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/25/world/bulgaria-presidential-election) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war - The Boston Globe
- [Deutsche Welle](https://dw.com/en/bulgaria-holds-presidential-elections-amid-divisions-over-ukraine-war/a-79753496) — Bulgaria holds presidential elections amid divisions over Ukraine war
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-polls-open-for-bulgarians-in-presidential-election-centered-on-drone-attacks-on-black-sea-shipping-and-economic-hardship) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/world/2026/10/polls-open-for-bulgarians-in-presidential-election-centered-on-drone-attacks-on-black-sea-shipping-and-economic-hardship) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war – WTOP News
- [KRQE News 13](https://krqe.com/news/world/ap-polls-open-for-bulgarians-in-presidential-election-centered-on-drone-attacks-on-black-sea-shipping-and-economic-hardship) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war
- [Unknown](https://segabg.com/hot/category-bulgaria/mizhav-interes-kum-urnite-pri-starta-na-izborniya-den) — Low Interest in Ballot Boxes at the Start of Election Day
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/10/25/bulgaria-president-election-energy-war/d901bbea-d033-11f1-ac04-9f58578a68b4_story.html) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/bulgaria-president-election-energy-war-71e668caf5e926fd16395c392bc1920c) — Bulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war

## Questions

**Why is Bulgaria holding a runoff election for president?**

The presidential election in Bulgaria has concluded without any candidate securing a majority of the votes. This means the election will proceed to a second round, or runoff, where voters will choose between the top two candidates to determine the next head of state.

**What was the voter turnout for the election?**

Voter turnout was significantly low. As of 4:00 p.m. on election day, only 16.04% of eligible voters had cast their ballots, according to the Central Election Commission. This is a notable decrease compared to the 24.12% turnout recorded at the same time in the 2021 presidential election.

**Who are the leading candidates in the Bulgarian presidential election?**

The current leading candidates are Iliana Yotova and Kiril Valchev. They are closely followed by Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev. The exact order and the final pairing for the runoff election will be confirmed once all votes are tallied.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Bulgaria Presidential Election Heads to Runoff Amid Low Turnout", https://mediabias.news/politics/bulgaria-presidential-election-heads-to-runoff-amid-low-turnout