Ivan Portnich

Data from the "Alpha Research" agency reveals the voting patterns of Anton Hekimyan's first-round supporters in the Sofia mayoral election runoff. The majority have shifted their support to Vanya Grigorova, the left-wing candidate.

See results by regions as of 7:00 a.m. on November 6 with nearly 100% of counted protocols:

BLAGOEVGRAD

Metodi Baikushev (WCC-DB) won with 50.21% over the previous mayor Ilko Stoyanov (independent), who won 47.24% support. The data is for 100% processed protocols in the Regional Election Committee (REC).

VARNA

With 100% processed protocols in the Regional Section Committee at 06:00 a.m. at the runoff in Bulgaria's sea capita, Varna, the mayoral seat was won by Blagomir Kotsev from We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria, for whom 45,395 people (53.06%) voted.

GERB candidate and current mayor Ivan Portnich came second with nearly 10,000 less votes, winning 41.52% of the vote.

In the upcoming second round of local elections on November 5, several key Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, Varna, and Pleven, are gearing up for a fiercely contested battle, according to data from the Central Election Commission (CEC) following the first round on October 29.

Vasil Terziev and Vanya Grigorova are going to the runoff in Sofia next Sunday. This is indicated by the first exit poll data of "Gallup International" and "Alpha Research" at 7 p.m.

Here are the data for major cities

SOFIA Gallup

Vasil Terziev (PP-DB-SS) - 38.8%

Vanya Grigorova (BSP) - 19.1%

Anton Hekimyan (GERB-SDS) - 17.0%

Nearly BGN 225 thousand will have to pay from its budget Municipality of Varna as a financial correction for violations in the organization of a public procurement contract for three road repairs. They are part of the second phase of its Integrated Urban Transport project.