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Bulgarians voted on October 25 in a presidential election held amid security concerns over attacks on ships in the Black Sea, including deadly drone strikes, and divisions over Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Hindu reported that acting President Iliana Iotova and former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov were leading candidates in a field of 27. Deutsche Welle described the presidency as largely ceremonial.

The vote unfolded as the Black Sea attacks raised security concerns, while the campaign was also shaped by disagreement over the war in Ukraine. The New Indian Express described economic hardship as another major factor in the election.

According to Al Jazeera, the two leading candidates condemned the recent deadly drone strikes but differed over the broader war in Ukraine. Deutsche Welle described the election as a test of the popularity of Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

SOURCES

  1. Deutsche WelleBulgaria holds presidential elections amid divisions over Ukraine war
  2. Al JazeeraBulgarians vote for president in shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine
  3. The HinduBulgaria votes for President in wake of deadly Black Sea drone strikes
  4. The New Indian ExpressBulgaria holds a presidential election dominated by economic hardship and the Ukraine war