In the first round of presidential elections, Radostin Vasilev performed well in Roma neighborhoods, receiving more votes than his competitors Iliana Yotova and Andrey Gyurov in several sections. Vislev is heading a populist nationalist party, so effectively Roma voted against themselves …

Voter turnout in these areas was notably low, ranging from 2-9%, with many sections reporting only a handful of votes cast.

The reasons for the low turnout include the absence of vote-buying, and Vasilev’s unexpected success raises questions about his appeal among the Roma community.

• Циганите избраха Радостин Василев. In: MIG News. 27.10.2026. https://www.mignews.info/tsiganite-izbraha-radostin-vasilev/