Iliana Iotova should look for new votes among supporters of Progressive Bulgaria in the run-off, not seek backing from GERB and DPS, Sozopol mayor Tihomir Yanakiev told BNR Burgas. He sits on the initiative committee that put Iotova forward for president.
In the first round on Sunday, 25 October, Iotova won about 35% and Gyurov about 32.5%, according to exit polls by polling agencies. Turnout was about 22%, the lowest since 1989.
How it all started: Yotova and Gyurov head to 1 November runoff as turnout hits lowest since 1989
The two will face each other in the second round on 1 November. The mayor suggests they hold a debate before then to set out their views, mostly on global problems.
Yanakiev said Iotova's result makes sense given such low turnout. Her campaign was mostly face-to-face meetings with people, which is more tiring, while her rivals relied mainly on the internet and social media.
The mayor believes the committee has no backing from GERB and DPS and should not seek it, though he said Iotova herself must decide whether to do so. He says the two parties have a tacit working relationship with some of her opponents.
"It won't happen, however much they try to raise their price, in my view," Yanakiev said of possible support from GERB and DPS.
Nobody should be asked for personal backing, he added. It should come from sensible, level-headed people, whom he called the "big reserve", including those who voted for Progressive Bulgaria.
Yanakiev rejects the claim that Iotova is a pro-Russian candidate. He knows her personally, is sure of her patriotism, and says his analysis shows she holds a fully balanced position between East and West. Bulgaria must stop dividing itself into "pro" and "anti" camps and defend its position, interests and rights within its global alliances, the mayor said.
He does not try to predict the outcome of the run-off and says the two candidates' positions are very close. In his view, people should not stay at home and then blame politicians.
"I wish people would vote out of conviction and faith, not for the lesser evil," Yanakiev said.