Bulgarians head to the polls in tense presidential runoff

Bulgarians are voting in a presidential runoff between incumbent Iliana Iatova and pro-Western challenger Andrey Gruev. Iatova's ticket took 34.8% in the first round, leading Gruev's by about 43,000 votes. The candidates are divided over Russia's war in Ukraine. Yatova has called for negotiations and warned that sending more weapons would bring further deaths. Gruev has argued that Russia must end its aggression before talks can begin. Bulgaria's historic ties with Moscow have made the election a test of public opinion on relations with Russia and support for Ukraine. Yotova is backed by the ruling Progressive Bulgaria Party and the Bulgarian Socialist Party. Gruev is supported by opposition parties including the Liberal-Conservative Democratic Bulgaria Party and the Liberal-Left We Continue the Change Party. The Electoral Commission has denied opposition claims of media bias and government interference. Polling stations are due to close at 8 p.m. local time.