Bulgarians voted in a presidential runoff on Sunday, as the race between two leading candidates remained close. The election follows a first round that failed to produce a winner, forcing a second round. Voters faced challenges including regional security threats and domestic economic concerns.

The runoff was held in Sofia, the capital, where polling stations opened early and remained open for several hours. Officials reported high voter turnout, though exact figures were not immediately available. The two main candidates, whose names were not disclosed in the sources, have been campaigning heavily in recent weeks.

This is the second round of the presidential election, which was initially held in June. The first round saw no candidate securing a majority, leading to the runoff. The election comes amid rising concerns over regional security, particularly in the Balkans, and economic instability within Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has faced political uncertainty in recent months, with frequent changes in government and public dissatisfaction with economic policies. The outcome of this election could shape the country’s political direction for years to come. The results are expected to be announced in the coming days.