Bulgarian villagers boycott elections following mayor's arrest

Residents of Lyutovo and Kuzovo in the Belitsa municipality have engaged in a widespread boycott of the presidential elections. In Lyutovo, out of 158 eligible voters, only two individuals—both members of the local election commission—had cast votes by mid-afternoon, resulting in a 0% turnout for the general population.

The boycott is reportedly a protest against the detention of Belitsa Mayor Radoslav Revanski and Sungurlare Mayor Dimitar Gavazov. Both mayors, along with DPS regional leader Hristo Shirokov, have been placed in custody following allegations of a criminal conspiracy involving influence peddling. Prosecutors claim the group conspired to influence the selection of contractors through organized roles involving company identification and financial facilitation.

In the neighboring village of Kuzovo, voter turnout was similarly low, with only one local citizen and three commission members participating. The legal decision regarding the mayors remains subject to appeal.