Polling stations opened across Hungary Sunday, with early data indicating higher turnout than in 2022, as voters decide between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz and the TISZA party.
Journalists Report from the Ground
Journalists from Wyborcza.pl, TOK FM, and Radio Zet are reporting live from Hungary, providing updates, analysis, and post-election commentary on Gazeta.pl.
Tight Race Expected Between Fidesz and TISZA
Despite five party lists and twelve minority lists registered for the election, the outcome is expected to be determined by the contest between the Fidesz-KDNP coalition led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the opposition TISZA party, headed by Péter Magyar.
Early Turnout Figures Released
The National Election Office (NVI) reported that 3.46% of eligible voters (260,556 people) had cast their ballots by 7 a.m. This compares to 1.82% turnout at the same time in 2022.
Polls Suggest Potential TISZA Victory
An analysis by the Median research center, published Tuesday, suggests TISZA could secure a two-thirds majority in the 199-seat parliament, potentially gaining between 138 and 143 seats. A qualified majority of 133 seats is required to amend the constitution.
Projected Parliamentary Composition
Median’s projections, based on five opinion polls, estimate TISZA could win 138 to 143 seats, while the ruling Fidesz would receive 49 to 55. The right-wing Mi Hazánk party is expected to gain five or six seats, becoming the only other group represented in parliament.
Hungarian Parliament Structure
Hungary’s National Assembly (Orszaggyules) has 199 members, with 106 elected in single-member constituencies and 93 from national party lists. The candidate with the most votes wins each constituency, even without a majority.
Voting System Details
Voters cast two votes: one for a candidate in their constituency and one for a party list or a minority list. Voters abroad cast only one vote, for a national party list. All citizens aged 18 or older, who have not been legally disenfranchised, are eligible to vote.
Electoral Thresholds and Vote Counting
Hungary has a 5% threshold for political parties, 10% for two-party coalitions, and 15% for three-party or larger alliances. The D’Hondt method is used to allocate seats from party lists.
Voting Regulations and Procedures
Hungarian election law does not include a pre-election silence period. Campaigning continues until polling stations close at 7 p.m. However, political campaigning is prohibited within 150 meters of polling stations on election day. Voters waiting in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote, but no new queues will be formed.
Results Timeline
Vote counting begins immediately after 7 p.m., and preliminary results, including the percentage of votes counted, are expected to be published around 8 p.m., according to the NVI. No exit polls are conducted in Hungary. Overseas votes must arrive by the fourth day after the election and be tallied by April 18th. Final results may not be known until Saturday if vote counts are close.
Candidates Await Results in Budapest
Both Orbán and Magyar will await the results in Budapest. Orbán and Fidesz are hosting an election night event at the Balna complex on the Danube, while Magyar and TISZA members will gather at Batthyány Square, opposite the Hungarian Parliament building.
Campaign Marked by Accusations
The election campaign was characterized by mutual accusations of attempted election fraud and foreign interference. The ruling camp focused on promises of stability and peace, which they claim only Fidesz can guarantee. Orbán and his ministers also warned against the risk of Hungary being drawn into war if the opposition wins.
Opposition Focuses on Corruption and Economy
Magyar and TISZA built their campaign on accusations of corruption within the government and the deterioration of the Hungarian economy. The opposition also pledged to reorient Hungary towards the West and adopt a constructive approach to EU membership.
