For the first time in the history of the presidential elections in Bulgaria there has been such a small gap between the first and second rated candidates, and both of them collect below 50 percent of the vote, pollster Alpha Research has said. Its poll conducted two days before voting suggests a rise in election activity, a shrinking of the gap between contenders rated as first and second and a referendum on the verge of gaining validity. Expected turnout today is 69 percent versus 61 percent in October. Some of those willing to vote in the referendum that will be held simultaneously with the presidential elections are not well informed of it. The share of voters who intend to tick the option “I support no one” has decreased following a major public debate which has made clear to citizens that this “protest” vote in practice boosts the chances of the leading contenders.