Andrey Gyurov: We accept the results, surprising as they may be

“We accept the results as they stand, surprising as the discrepancy between the exit polls and the parallel vote count may be. Ultimately, this is how Bulgarian citizens have voted.” This was the statement made by presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov following the second round of the presidential election on 1 November, after polling agencies’ results indicated a victory for Iliana Iotova.

Exit Poll: Iliana Iotova is Bulgaria’s New President

“We are ready to show that, while the campaign may be over, responsibility does not end here. We must hold the state accountable, because it should work for Bulgarian citizens, not for itself,” Gyurov added.

He thanked all Bulgarians who had exercised their right to vote, as well as the parties that had stood “behind a campaign that sought to broaden its support and reach out to Bulgarian citizens, regardless of their political affiliations”. He said that many challenges and difficult times lay ahead, and that society should seek unity rather than division.

“The struggle does not end with this election,” said Georgi Kandev, the vice-presidential candidate on Gyurov’s ticket, in a statement to the media following the close of the second round. “I would like to urge the Bulgarian people to remain vigilant and make sure that all the promises made to them are kept,” he said, as quoted by BTA.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova