Iliana Yotova has made history after winning Bulgaria’s presidential runoff election to become the country’s first woman elected to the highest political office.
The 62-year-old acting president secured 57.58 per cent of the votes, according to near-final results released by the Central Election Commission on Monday, November 2, 2026, with 99.95 per cent of polling station protocols processed.
According to Reuters, Yotova’s presidential ticket with running mate Kiril Valchev defeated the opposition pairing of former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev, who received 39.47 per cent of the votes.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Bulgaria, which has never previously elected a woman to its presidency.
1. Iliana Yotova Becomes Bulgaria’s First Elected Female President
Iliana Yotova’s victory represents a historic breakthrough in Bulgarian politics.
Although she had already assumed presidential responsibilities earlier in 2026, her election victory gives her an independent electoral mandate.
Associated Press reported that Yotova pledged to pursue national consensus through dialogue and bridge political divisions following her victory.
2. She Secured 57.58 Per Cent of the Votes
Yotova won the November 1 presidential runoff with 57.58 per cent of the votes, according to near-final results.
Her opponents, Andrey Gyurov and Georgi Kandev, secured 39.47 per cent.
Approximately 2.95 per cent of voters selected the option indicating that they supported neither candidate.
The results followed the first round held on October 25, when neither presidential ticket secured the majority required to win outright.
Radio Bulgaria also published the near-final election figures.
3. Yotova Previously Served as Acting President
Before winning the election, Yotova had already been serving as Bulgaria’s acting president since January 2026.
Iliana Yotova assumed the office after former President Rumen Radev resigned to pursue a parliamentary political career.
According to the official Bulgarian presidential biography, Yotova took over as head of state on January 23, 2026, following the termination of Radev’s presidential powers.
Her election victory therefore transforms her from acting president into an elected head of state.
4. She Served as Bulgaria’s Vice President for Two Terms
Yotova previously served as vice president alongside Rumen Radev.
The pair were elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, giving her extensive experience in Bulgaria’s presidential administration before taking over the presidency.
Her political career has included responsibilities involving national institutions, European affairs and Bulgaria’s international relations.
5. Yotova Was a Member of the European Parliament
Before becoming vice president, Yotova served as a member of the European Parliament from 2007 to 2017.
During her decade in the European legislature, she participated in discussions involving migration, security and European policy.
Her European Parliament experience formed an important part of her political background before she returned to Bulgaria’s national leadership.
6. She Previously Worked as a Journalist
Iliana Yotova also has a background in journalism.
Before entering politics, she worked at Bulgarian National Television, where she developed professional experience in broadcasting and public communication.
Her transition from journalism into politics eventually led her to the European Parliament, vice presidency and, ultimately, the presidency.
7. Her Victory Comes Amid Bulgaria’s Political Divisions
Iliana Yotova’s election victory comes amid political disagreements over Bulgaria’s domestic direction and foreign policy.
She is an ally of Rumen Radev and has supported diplomatic approaches to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Her opponent, Andrey Gyurov, was backed by pro-Western opposition parties and supported Ukraine.
As reported by Deutsche Welle, Yotova’s victory strengthens the political direction associated with Radev, particularly regarding dialogue with Moscow and opposition to further military assistance to Ukraine.
Despite the political divisions surrounding the election, Yotova has promised to pursue national consensus and dialogue.
Conclusion
Iliana Yotova’s election as Bulgaria’s first elected female president marks a historic moment for the country’s political leadership.
From her earlier career as a journalist and European Parliament member to her service as vice president and acting president, Yotova has built a political career spanning several decades.
Her victory on November 1, 2026, establishes her place in Bulgaria’s political history while placing renewed attention on the country’s future direction, institutional stability and international relations.
