Presidential Vote Underway in Bulgaria
On October 25, Bulgaria is holding the first round of its presidential election, featuring 27 candidates vying for the office. Polling stations are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time. A total of 6.59 million citizens are eligible to cast their ballots, including 46,000 first-time voters. To facilitate the process, 9,373 electronic voting machines have been deployed. Locations serving more than 780 voters are equipped with two devices each; there are 2,249 such polling stations. Additionally, 613 polling sites have been established abroad for Bulgarians living outside the country.
Violent Incident Casts Shadow Over Election
Just one day before the vote, on October 24, Slavi Bineev—the head of the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation and vice president of the European Taekwondo Union—was found shot dead in his Sofia residence. Police apprehended three suspects on a highway outside the capital, according to the city police chief Lubomir Nikolov.
“Three suspects were detained on the highway outside Sofia,” stated Lubomir Nikolov.
This election takes place against a backdrop of political transition. Iliana Yotova, who assumed the presidency in 2024, is considered the political successor to Rumen Radev, who resigned in January 2026. Her main challenger in this race is Andrey Gyurov, while Kostadin Kostadinov held third place in pre-election polls.
Bulgaria’s presidential race unfolds amid both political rivalry and heightened social tensions, underscored by the recent killing of a prominent sports figure. Such events may influence voter turnout and sentiment, as concerns about security and stability weigh heavily on the electorate. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the country's future direction.
As the political landscape in Bulgaria shifts with the upcoming presidential election, the shocking murder of Slavi Bineev has added urgency to the electoral atmosphere. This incident not only raises questions about security but also highlights the broader implications for the nation's stability. For more details on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and its potential impact on the elections, read our coverage of the shooting of Bineev.