Record low turnout in Sunday's Bulgarian elections mean voters are expected to head to the polls on November 1 to cast ballots in a presidential run-off.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 8 p.m. (0500-1800 GMT), with official results expected within 48 hours, but voter turnout was less than 40%, far short of the 50% required.

Voters were choosing between candidates with vastly different views of the war in Ukraine and relations with Moscow and t he vote came as drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea off the Bulgarian coast brought home the significance of the conflict in Ukraine for the former Soviet satellite state.

Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, the head of state in Bulgaria can appoint interim governments during political crises, is commander-in-chief of the armed forces and is able to veto legislation.

Bulgarians are deciding on who should officially reside here in Sofia Image: Dzhanan Mehmed Ismail/Anadolu/IMAGO

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