Presidential elections are being held in Bulgaria on Sunday, in which the incumbent head of state Iliana Yotova is leading, according to the data of the country's CEC. According to polls, he could get more than 40% of the vote, while his main rival, pro-Western opposition candidate Andrey Gurov, got just over 28%. Yotova holds the highest state post only since the end of January. Earlier, he was a member of the European Parliament from the Socialists. He is supported by the center-left "Progressive Bulgaria" party, which independently forms the government headed by Rumen Radev. In January, Radev gave up his presidential powers early in order to participate in the parliamentary elections. The elections are being held against the background of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which is located several hundred kilometers from Bulgaria, a member of the European Union and NATO, located in the southeast of Europe. In October, drones reportedly attacked four merchant ships off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. In addition, the antennas of Starlink satellite communication, which plays an important role in the defense of Ukraine, were set on fire near Sofia. In total, 27 candidates are competing for the position of president. Yotova's rivals from both the left and the right criticize the government, including for its stance on the Ukraine conflict. If no candidate receives an absolute majority of votes in the first round, the second round will take place on November 1. Sociologists consider a double vote between Yotova and Gurov almost inevitable. Polling stations are open from 07:00 to 20:00 local time. The results of the exit polls are allowed to be published only after the end of the voting. Official results are expected within 48 hours after polling stations close.