Bulgarian presidential poll overshadowed by war in Ukraine
Bulgaria's presidential election has headed to a run-off after low voter turnout, with the campaign heavily influenced by the war in Ukraine. Candidates are divided over their stance on relations with Moscow and military aid to Kyiv.
Why it matters
The election highlights the geopolitical tensions within Eastern Europe and the impact of the Ukraine conflict on regional political stability.
Low voter turnout has triggered a run-off for the Bulgarian presidency. The vote was colored by strong divisions over Russia's war in Ukraine, and Sofia's relations with the Kremlin.
https://p.dw.com/p/5OdWi Despite a few plus ones, voter turnout was historically low in Bulgaria's presidential election Photo/picture alliance Advertisement Record low turnout in Sunday's Bulgarian elections mean voters are expected to head to the polls on November 1 to cast ballots in a presidential run-off.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. (0500-1800 GMT), with official results expected within 48 hours, but voter turnout was less than 40%, far short of the 50% required.
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