Bulgaria could have a president elected with fewer than 1 million votes for the first time, Ivaylo Madzharov of the Active Policies association told BNR Burgas. He said such a president would have low legitimacy.

Legally and administratively, everything will be in order, Madzharov said. But if, for example, 4 million Bulgarians did not vote for the next head of state, "politically and morally, I don't think the president, whoever it is, will enjoy much trust," he said.

The head of state is one of the highest offices in the country, and voters choose both a president and a vice president.

Turnout on Sunday was low. Madzharov partly blames this on the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, who he said failed to persuade enough voters to back them.

GERB and DPS did not put up their own presidential candidates. "GERB's refusal to field a candidate certainly contributed to these results, and so did the refusal by DPS," Madzharov said. He estimates that about 30% of GERB and DPS votes went to other parties.

The presidential candidates will debate tonight. Madzharov said the debate will show how they defend their positions and how they try to win people over.