Yes, Bulgaria co-chair Bozhidar Bozhanov expects Andrey Gyurov and sitting president Iliana Yotova to hold a debate next week. He told a press conference after election day ended.
Earlier today, Gyurov offered Yotova an open debate in front of voters. Bozhanov says people should be able to decide with full information who is the most worthy candidate for president.
Earlier on this story: Gyurov challenges Yotova to open debate after election day
"This is the first half, there is another one to come, serious work lies ahead, and we will keep seeking the support of every Bulgarian citizen," Bozhanov said.
Bozhanov said Yes, Bulgaria backed Gyurov because its voters wanted him as a candidate. He says Gyurov aimed his campaign at all Bulgarian citizens and did not seek the party's support. Exit polls show that some GERB voters also backed Gyurov, and Bozhanov thanked them.
Bozhanov linked the low turnout to a huge drop in trust in those in power and to Yotova's divisive campaign. He says she got about 900,000 fewer votes than Progressive Bulgaria won at the last election. In his view, this is a clear sign that the government has failed and has not kept its promises.
Radan Kanev, head of Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria, which is part of Democratic Bulgaria, says those in power, pollsters and the media underestimated the Democrats in this vote. He says people who want a strong, European Bulgaria and a balance of powers turned out to vote.