Low voter turnout triggers presidential run-off
Bulgaria is heading to a presidential run-off election after voter turnout failed to reach the required 50% threshold. The election highlights deep national divisions regarding the war in Ukraine and the country's diplomatic relationship with Moscow.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will influence Bulgaria's foreign policy stance within the EU and NATO regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
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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