In brief
Exit polls from five agencies on Sunday November 1 show Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev ahead with roughly 51 % of the vote, while Progressive Bulgaria floor leader Petar Vitanov lauded the record‑high turnout. The official result will be certified next week, with MP Dimitar Zdravkov stating the outcome was expected.
On Sunday, the presidential runoff in Sofia yielded exit poll results that place Iliana Iotova and Kiril Valchev ahead with about 51% of the vote, according to five independent agencies, including Trend, Gallup International, Alpha Research, Market Links, and Myara. The rivals, Andrey Gurov and Georgi Kandev, trail at roughly 43%.
Progressive Bulgaria floor leader Petar Vitanov applauded voters for participating despite inclement weather and a campaign he described as “negative” and skeptical, and said the turnout had increased “nearly one third” compared with the first round. He added that a rise of almost 10% was unprecedented in Bulgarian democratic history.
“Bulgaria will be more stable and calmer after Monday.”
Petar Vitanov emphasized the legitimacy of the runoff outcome, claiming that the newly elected president would be fully legitimate after the official certification on Monday.
MP Dimitar Zdravkov echoed Vitanov’s confidence, saying the result was expected and that “the trend we are seeing is logical and reflects public expectations.” He urged the opposing alliance to present better‑prepared candidates for the next election.
While the exit polls confirm a clear lead for the Iotova‑Valchev ticket and a record turnout increase, the final, certified result will be announced on Monday, with no official declaration yet issued by election authorities.
