Photo: EPA
In the first hours of parliamentary elections in Hungary on Sunday, April 12, turnout has reached unusually high levels, according to reports cited by Politico.
The National Election Office reported that by 11:00 local time, 38% of registered voters had already cast their ballots — significantly higher than the 25.8% recorded at the same time in the 2022 parliamentary elections. Polling stations opened at 6:00 and are set to close at 19:00, with preliminary results expected from 20:00 onward.
Earlier in the day, authorities also noted a record early turnout of 3.5% within the first hour of voting. In addition, more than 293,000 postal votes had already been received ahead of election day.
By 13:00, turnout had risen further to 54% of registered voters — the highest level recorded at this stage since at least 2010, when Viktor Orbán first came to power.
Based on polling trends, Orbán’s main challenger, Péter Magyar and his centre-right “Tisza” party, is reported to have an advantage. However, analysts caution that the outcome remains uncertain due to discrepancies between polls and Hungary’s electoral system, where vote share does not directly translate into parliamentary control.
Experts note a wide range of possible outcomes — from a Tisza parliamentary majority capable of constitutional changes to another victory for Orbán’s Fidesz party, depending on how votes translate into seats.
