Iotova wins Bulgaria's presidential run-off, exit polls show

Exit polls, Iotova

51 % for Iotova, about 44% for Gyurov

Three exit polls gave Iliana Iotova about 51 per cent and Andrey Gyurov about 44 per cent. Assen Vassilev, leader of a party that backed Gyurov, accepted her victory but expects a tighter final margin.

Iotova favours dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine, while Gyurov, backed by the pro-Western opposition, says Russia must end its aggression. Turnout was estimated at 27 to 29 per cent, up from the first round's 23 per cent.

What's next

Official results are due Monday. If confirmed, Iotova becomes Bulgaria's first elected female president, in a role that is largely ceremonial but carries a veto over laws.