Bulgaria's Central Election Commission officially confirms victory of Iliana Yotova and Kiril Vilchev

Official confirmation of voting results

Bulgaria's Central Election Commission (CEC) adopted Decision No. 441, officially declaring Iliana Yotova and Kiril Vilchev elected to the positions of President and Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria. This was reported by Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

According to the commission's final data, the winners received 57.56 percent of the votes. Their opponents received 39.48 percent, while the remaining voters voted against all candidates.

Historical precedent and inauguration

Iliana Yotova will become the first woman to hold the office of President of Bulgaria as a result of direct elections. Prior to the start of the election campaign, she was already acting as head of state. She assumed this position in January 2026 following the resignation of former President Rumen Radev, who later moved to the post of Prime Minister.

The new President and Vice-President will take office on 22 January 2027.

Campaign positions and thanks to opponents

During the election campaign, Iliana Yotova advocated for the restoration of dialogue between the European Union and Russia. She opposed further military aid to Kyiv and called on European countries to open communication channels with Moscow. In her words, Bulgaria could take on the role of a mediator in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

After the polling stations closed, Yotova thanked Rumen Radev and the "Progressive Bulgaria" coalition, which supported her candidacy.

Political context and head of state powers

This victory strengthens the position of the political camp that united the presidential administration and the government. After stepping down from the presidential chair, Radev led the "Progressive Bulgaria" coalition. This force secured an absolute majority in the parliamentary elections on 19 April, and in May, parliament elected him Prime Minister.

The President of Bulgaria is elected for a five-year term. Their powers include representing the country abroad, the status of Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and the right to return laws to parliament. Meanwhile, domestic and foreign policy is determined by the government, and in the European Council, the country is usually represented by the Prime Minister.