India, Oct. 25 -- Bulgarians are voting on Sunday, October 25, in a presidential election shaped by rising living costs, security concerns in the Black Sea and divisions over the country's approach to Russia's war in Ukraine. Incumbent President Iliana Iotova is leading the field of 27 candidates, with former caretaker prime minister Andrey Gyurov emerging as her main challenger.

Pre-election polling suggests neither candidate is likely to secure the majority required to win in the first round, setting the stage for a possible runoff on November 1. According to Alpha Research figures reported by Bulgarian media, Iotova has support of around 41% to 44.5%, compared with 26.1% to 28% for Gyurov.

Who Are the Leading Candidates?

Iotova, who...