Voting in Hungarian parliamentary elections was temporarily suspended in Miskolc and Pécs due to bomb threats received by police on Sunday.
Security Concerns Halt Voting in Two Locations
Voting in Hungary’s parliamentary elections was interrupted in one polling station in Miskolc, northeastern Hungary, and another in Pécs, southern Hungary, due to bomb threats, according to local media reports.
Police in Miskolc received an anonymous phone call and immediately halted voting at the location while conducting a search. No explosive materials were found, and voting resumed after a twenty-minute interruption, as reported by the daily “Nepszava.”
Similar Threat in Pécs
A similar phone threat prompted the temporary closure of a polling station in Pécs. No traces of explosives were discovered there either, and voting was subsequently restored.
Turnout Exceeds Previous Election Levels
As of 5:00 PM, the National Election Office (NVI) reported a voter turnout of 74.23%. This surpasses the final turnout of 69.59% in the 2022 elections.
Voting Procedures and Ballot Details
Polling stations officially closed at 7:00 PM, but voters already in line were permitted to cast their ballots. Eligible Hungarian citizens voting within the country have two votes: one for a candidate in a single-member district and another for a party list or national minority list. Voters abroad cast only one vote, for a national list.
Vote Counting to Begin Immediately
Vote counting commenced immediately after the 7:00 PM closure of polling stations, with preliminary results – including the percentage of votes tallied – expected to be published around 8:00 PM.