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The article preserves exit polls, statements and political developments as reported at the time of publication. Figures described as provisional must not be treated as official results without separate verification. The offices mentioned are those held at the time.
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Republic of Bulgaria elections 2016.
Socialist opposition candidate Rumen Radev is reported to have won the Bulgarian presidential run-off by a wide margin.
According to the first exit polls broadcast by public television BNT, Radev received 58% of the vote, compared with 35% for Tsetska Tsacheva, Speaker of Parliament and candidate of the governing conservative GERB party.
Turnout at 7 p.m. local time, one hour before polling stations closed, was reportedly between 47% and 49%. Bulgaria’s conservative Prime Minister Boyko Borisso, leader of GERB, repeatedly said during the election campaign that he would resign if the government’s candidate lost.
In the capital, Sofia, Prime Minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov has already tendered his resignation. It is unclear whether a new majority will be formed through parliamentary agreements or new legislative elections. “With my victory, democracy has defeated apathy and fear despite the government's threats of chaos. My victory marks the beginning of the most important mission of my life: working for a stable and prosperous Bulgaria,” former general Radev said in his initial reaction, acclaimed by jubilant supporters. A government crisis is therefore opening, the first of its kind for the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance.