Bulgarians in Serbia Vote for Official Representatives

The town of Bosilegrad has the largest Bulgarian population in Serbia. Photo by foto.bosilegrad.com

Ethnic minority citizens of Serbia voted Sunday in the country's first elections for official representatives of their groups.

Serbian papers reported Monday that the elections have been conducted successfully, with over 37% turnout at 17.00 local time. Some problems with voting in the Hungarian and Bulgarian communities have been reported by dailies “Blitz” and “Danas”.

Serbia has an over 20,000-strong Bulgarian population, which is among 16 ethnic groups formally recognized as national minorities in the country. It is mostly concentrated in the eastern region bordering on Bulgaria, as well as the northern region of Banat.

In August 2009 Serbia adopted a Law on National Minority Councils in order to guarantee the self-government of minority groups.

The Councils will help minorities conduct their own policies in the field of culture and education, including the vital subject of native language education and official use.

The Bulgarian minority had 7 electoral lists to choose from.

The official results are to be announced June 9.

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