Bulgaria presidential elections: Early polls and overseas voting updates

As Bulgaria prepares for the presidential elections on October 25, 2026, new data highlights voter trends and logistical preparations. A national poll by Market Links shows Iliana Yotova and Kiril Välchev leading with 41.4% support, followed by Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev at 21.9%. The race features a record 27 candidacies, making it one of the most crowded elections in the country's history.

Regarding logistics for citizens living abroad, the Central Election Commission (CEC) reported that nearly 40,000 electronic applications for overseas voting were submitted before the September 29 deadline. Turkey recorded the highest number of requests with 13,190, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. These applications will help determine the number and location of polling stations outside Bulgaria.

Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev stated that while there have been no significant reports of vote-buying or controlled voting comparable to previous elections, authorities remain vigilant, particularly regarding cyber threats and election-related crime in digital spaces. The CEC is expected to finalize the locations and number of international polling stations by October 3.