Bulgaria’s Iotova leads in presidential run-off exit polls

Bulgaria’s acting President Iliana Iotova led the presidential run-off with about 51 percent of the vote, compared with roughly 44 percent for rival Andrey Gyurov, according to three exit polls. Iotova supports dialogue with Moscow and opposes military aid to Ukraine, while Gyurov is backed by the pro-Western opposition. Turnout was estimated at 27 to 29 percent, after a record-low 23 percent in the first round, and official results are expected on Monday. If confirmed, 61-year-old Iotova will become Bulgaria’s first elected female president; the vote took place amid tensions following drone attacks on Black Sea vessels that left 21 people missing.