Belitsa before the runoff: Will people vote again after the first-round boycott?
In protest against the mayor's arrest, turnout in Belitsa municipality was below 8% in the first round. Ahead of Sunday, many residents will not say whether they will vote.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
In Belitsa municipality, many people refused to vote in the first round in protest against the detention of the mayor, and turnout remained below 8%. Ahead of Sunday's runoff, residents are reluctant to say whether they will vote, broadcaster BNT reported. Some say they will go to the polls, others that they will not, because in their view politicians "don't fix anything."
The Burgas Court of Appeal placed the mayors of Belitsa and Sungurlare under house arrest. According to BNT, the mayor of Belitsa is accused of taking part in a criminal group trading in influence. The mayor of Belitsa could not be reached for comment; on the municipality's Facebook page, he thanked his supporters and wrote that he "will not bow his head." All the accused are presumed innocent.