Pro-Russian presidential candidate Bulgaria leads after first round of elections

Iliana Jotova, the pro-Russian candidate, leads in the first round of Bulgaria's presidential elections but a second round is necessary due to low voter turnout. Jotova received between 35.2% and 36.5% of the votes, while her pro-Western opponent, Andrej Gjoerov, garnered 32.2% to 32.4%. The elections focused on the war in Ukraine and Bulgaria's economic situation. Jotova, supported by the pro-Russian party, aims to strengthen ties with Russia and opposes military aid to Ukraine, contrasting with Gjoerov's support for Ukraine. If elected, she would be Bulgaria's first female president.