Voting began at 6am on Sunday in Hungary’s parliamentary election, with polling stations opening across all 10,047 constituencies nationwide.
Approximately 7.5 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots by the close of polls at 7pm. Voting is conducted in person only, and voters must verify their identity before the vote-counting committee using an official identification document. Accepted forms include national ID cards, laser-engraved passports issued since late 1998, and card-format driving licences. The digital identification application (DÁP) is not accepted for this purpose.
Voters may only cast their ballots at their designated polling station, the location of which was previously communicated to all eligible citizens. Those who have misplaced their notification can look up their polling station online based on their registered address. Only around 224,000 voters who previously requested it are allowed to vote outside their place of residence through re-registration.
Only those listed in the electoral register are permitted to vote, and no additional voters can be added on election day. Voters with limited mobility or illness may request a mobile ballot box, but only if this was arranged in advance.
Among the electorate, nearly 293,000 young people are eligible to vote for the first time, having reached voting age since the 2024 European Parliament and local elections.
The National Election Office (NVI) will publish turnout updates throughout the day at regular intervals, including at 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm.
According to the 7am data, in Budapest already 3,45 per cent voted, precisely 43.889 people.
The 9am data shows 15,96 per cent, 202 934 voters.
Vote counting will begin with ballots cast in individual constituencies, followed by party-list votes and then nationality list ballots. Preliminary results will be published shortly after polls close on the official election website, with high levels of processed data expected by around 11pm. On election night, approximately 92–95 per cent of party-list votes and 94–97 per cent of constituency votes are expected to be counted.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán cast his vote in Budapest’s 12th district at the Zugliget Primary School shortly before 8:30am. Speaking to journalists afterward, he expressed satisfaction with the expected high turnout, noting that strong participation has historically benefitted his party.
‘The more people vote, the better,’ he said, encouraging all citizens to take part. ‘The election is a celebration of democracy,’ the prime minister added.
Realted articles:
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth, intellectual honesty, and independent conservative thought.
Producing high-quality journalism requires resources. Your contribution helps us expand our coverage, reach new audiences, and keep our content accessible.
Please consider supporting our mission.
