The outcome could see the Black Sea state move closer to Russia. Bulgarians go to the polls in a presidential election run-off on Sunday – and a man friendly towards the Kremlin is expected to win. <br /><br /> Former air force commander General Rumen Radev, who stands as an independent allied to the Socialist Party, has expressed tolerance for Russian moves in Ukraine. <br /><br /> He also favours easing Western sanctions on Moscow.<br /><br /> Bulgaria already relies on Russia for most of its energy, military equipment and tourism revenues. <br /><br /> Two opinion polls show ruling party candidate Tsetska Tsacheva is trailing Rudev.<br /><br /> A win for the independent would put Bulgaria at odds with its EU and NATO allies.<br /><br /> It would also likely trigger months of political instability, with Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, of the centre-right GERB party, having said that he’ll step down if his candidate loses. <br /><br /> Rudev is winning over Bulgarians frustrated with a political elite they see as corrupt and selfish. <br /><br /> Almost 10 years of the country joined the EU; many of its people are also feel their problems are too low down the priority list in Brussels.<br /><br /> In Bulgaria, the government and parliament wield most power but the president can veto legislation once, appoint some key officials and is also chief commander of the armed forces.<br />
