Bulgarian Vote: Record Low Turnout Amid Black Sea Drifting

Only 23 percent of eligible Bulgarian voters cast ballots in the first round of the presidential election. This record low participation was confirmed by election officials as the second round began. The low turnout reflects a growing apathy among the electorate in the southeastern European nation.

The run-off pits President Iliana Iotova against former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. Iotova, 61, led in the initial count but did not reach the 50 percent threshold required for an immediate victory. Gyurov, 50, serves as the main challenger for the pro-Western bloc.

Regional security concerns dominate the campaign backdrop. A series of drone attacks on merchant ships off the Black Sea coast occurred in the past month. About two dozen seafarers are feared dead following these strikes. A Greek container ship sank on Wednesday after being hit by sea drones.

Both candidates have condemned the maritime attacks. Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who supports Iotova, stated that the strikes' outcome benefits the Russian Federation. Both leaders have called for a diplomatic end to the war in Ukraine. The government has sought help from allies to bolster maritime security in response to the growing threats.

Iotova became acting president in January after Radev resigned to enter a parliamentary race. A victory for her would make her Bulgaria's first elected female president. Gyurov, who signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv as premier, is backed by reformist parties and right-leaning figures, including ex-Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.

Exit polls will be published after voting ends at 8 pm on Sunday. Election officials expect to announce the final result on Monday. The outcome will determine the next head of state for Bulgaria.