Polling stations opened across Hungary Sunday, with early data showing increased turnout as voters decide between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party and the opposition 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% at the same time in 2022. By 9 a.m., turnout reached 16.89% (compared to 10.31% four years prior).
Polls Indicate Potential TISZA Majority
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, needed for constitutional changes, requires 133 seats in the National Assembly.
Projected Parliamentary Composition
Median’s projections, based on five opinion polls, estimate TISZA could win 138 to 143 seats, while the ruling Fidesz party could secure 49 to 55 seats. 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. In each constituency, the candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority.
Voting System Details
Voters cast two votes: one for a candidate in a single-member district and another for a party or national minority list. Voters abroad cast only one vote, for a national 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 lists of three or more parties. 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 will begin immediately after 7 p.m., with preliminary results – including the percentage of votes counted – expected around 8 p.m., according to the National Election Office (NVI). No exit polls are being conducted. Votes cast abroad must arrive by the fourth day after the election and be tallied by April 18th. A final result 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 members 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.
