Yotova became president in January after serving as vice president.A former member of the European Parliament and a journalist, she ran as an independent with the backing of both Progressive Bulgaria and the Socialist Party.Should she win, she is expected to keep Bulgaria in line with Europe, while calling for improved relations with Russia.After casting her vote, Yotova said she wanted to address “the dire issue of poverty”, as well as “inequalities and regional disputes”, the AFP news agency reported.“I believe that there must be peace, stability, and security,” she added.Presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov at a campaign event in Plovdiv, October 21, 2026 [Valentina Petrova/AP Photo]Gyurov has the support of the country’s pro-Western opposition and signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine as prime minister.He said on Sunday that he wanted “a Bulgaria that looks forward, a country that is European, free, and proud”.“Next week, Bulgaria must choose between two personalities, two directions,” he said after the vote, and invited Yotova to a debate before the next round.Although the role of president is largely ceremonial, the president leads the armed forces, can veto legislation and sign treaties.