Turnout in Hungary’s parliamentary election has surpassed a record 54%, as polling stations opened nationwide on Sunday in one of Europe’s most consequential votes this year, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban facing his strongest challenge since returning to power in 2010.
Data from the country’s National Election Office showed that 54.14% of the Hungarian electorate had cast their ballots by 1pm. By this time in 2022, turnout had just passed 40%.
The vote could determine not only who governs Hungary next, but also how far Budapest continues to resist Brussels on issues ranging from Ukraine and sanctions to migration and rule-of-law disputes.
Orban and his ruling Fidesz alliance are being challenged by Peter Magyar and his insurgent Tisza party, which has surged in the polls after campaigning on corruption, public services and restoring ties with the European Union. Independent polling summarized by AP suggests Tisza entered election day with momentum, though the race is still expected to be tight because of Fidesz’s entrenched rural support and the advantages Orban enjoys from incumbency and Hungary’s electoral system.
The stakes extend well beyond Hungary. Orban has spent years frustrating EU partners with his stance on Russia, sanctions and military support for Ukraine, making this election a closely watched test for Brussels as well as for Orban’s allies on the international right.
Both Magyar and Orban cast their ballots in Budapest early in the morning. Orban told reporters he is “here to win.” Asked about his 16 years in power and any regrets, he replied, “Thank you very much, I’m fine,” adding the campaign brought “many uplifting moments” and opportunities to meet voters.
Magyar also struck a confident tone, insisting that “no one can seriously think that the Tisza, and thus Hungary, will not win the election.”
The election is taking place on a single day for all 199 seats in Hungary’s National Assembly, with results expected to start coming in after polls close at 7pm.
Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates.
12 April 2026
Turnout has hit 66.01% at 3pm, 12 points above the previous 3pm record, set in 2018. Polling stations will remain open until 7pm. By that time, overall turnout is expected to surpass the 70.21% record set in 2022.
Magyar has denied reports that Tisza supporters are gearing up for violent protests in the event of a loss to Orban’s Fidesz party, writing them off as “scare stories and lies.” In a video shared on social media, he described the election as a “regime-changing referendum,” and claimed that high turnout is a sign that the Hungarian electorate wants change.
Earlier, a former Tisza insider claimed that the party’s EU backers are encouraging Magyar to prematurely declare victory and instigate riots if the final tally goes against him. A document purportedly detailing this strategy describes the 2014 Maidan coup in Ukraine as a template for the opposition leader to follow.
The latest turnout figures are expected at any moment, and based on earlier headcounts, the final figure is likely to exceed the record 70.21% seen in 2022. Both government and opposition polls have modeled for a turnout of around 75%, and it remains unclear whether Orban or Magyar will ultimately benefit from high voter participation.
Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli has endorsed Orban, describing Budapest as “one of the safest capitals in Europe for Jews and one of the few where a Jew can walk on a Saturday morning to the synagogue with a tallit and kippah without fear.”
In a post on X, Chikli praised Orban’s “restrained and responsible immigration policy, zero tolerance for antisemitism, and tough enforcement,” and wished him “great success in today's elections.”
Orban is a vocal supporter of Israel, and welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair, to CPAC Hungary – an offshoot of the US Conservative Political Action Conference – last month. Benjamin Netanyahu was originally scheduled to address the conference, but canceled due to the war with Iran.
Ukrainian reporters are following the election closely, and the Kiev Independent got its chance to needle Orban this morning, asking the Hungarian PM “in [Ukrainian leader Vladimir] Zelensky’s place, would you hand over your territory to Russia?”
“I’m lucky enough not to be Zelensky,” Orban responded.
Orban has accused Ukraine of interfering in the election by refusing to reopen the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary via Ukraine. Orban claims that by keeping the pipeline shut, Kiev is driving up energy prices in Hungary and harming his chances of reelection. Hungarian security officials also claim that Ukrainian spies are active within the Tisza party.
54.14% of eligible voters – more than four million people – had cast their ballots by 1pm, Hungary’s National Election Office said in a statement. By this time in 2022, turnout stood at just over 40%.
So far, turnout is highest in Pest County, a suburban region surrounding Budapest which includes several key battleground constituencies. Both Fidesz and Tisza have claimed that they will benefit from high turnout in these constituencies.
Tisza party defector Balazs Csercsa has claimed that foreign advisers are pushing Magyar to declare victory “as soon as possible on election day – even prematurely if necessary.” Should Magyar lose, he is advised to mobilize his supporters and encircle government buildings, provoking police into a harsh response.
The plan is laid out in an English-language document shared by Csercsa on his Facebook page. The document, which cannot be authenticated, cites the 2014 Maidan coup in Ukraine as an example for Magyar to follow, describing the US-orchestrated revolution as “a successful change of regime.”
“Significant support can be expected from the European Commission” and the German government, the document states. Csercsa claims that he received details of the plan from an “inside source.”
Csercsa led Tisza’s church affairs working group until he left the party in January, citing disagreements with Magyar.
Viktor Orban has warned the EU to respect Hungary’s election outcome, responding to a question from an RT correspondent in Budapest about reported plans to strip the country of voting rights in the European Council in case he and his party win.
“They have to accept the will and the opinion of the Hungarian people. They cannot disrespect the Hungarian people. They have to respect their decision,” Orban said.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Budapest and Brussels, where some officials have floated using Article 7 procedures — a mechanism that could suspend a member state’s voting rights over rule-of-law concerns — though such a step would require broad consensus among EU countries and has never been fully implemented.
Hungarian expats are turning out in large numbers in The Hague, where local media footage shows long lines outside a polling station at the country’s foreign mission.
More than 6,000 Hungarians are registered to vote in the Dutch city – one of the largest expatriate hubs – with turnout reaching 45% by 11:30 AM local time (10:00 GMT). Voters were seen lining up for up to two hours, with lines stretching into a nearby park, though families with small children were allowed to move ahead.
Reporter Chay Bowes, covering Hungary’s election from Budapest, has described the vote as a pivotal moment for the country while questioning Western narratives around Orban.
Bowes highlights skepticism among some Europeans over policies such as cutting Russian energy ties, while also criticizing Western governments’ broader foreign policy, particularly ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Bowes sees the Hungarian election as part of a wider geopolitical divide, suggesting the outcome could have implications beyond Hungary.
Hungarian media reports long lines at polling stations across the country, including station No. 076 in Zuglo – a district in Budapest – where voters registered to cast ballots gathered outside Szent Istvan High School.
Belgian politician Tom Van Grieken, the leader of the right-wing Vlaams Belang party, has expressed support for Viktor Orban, describing Hungary’s election as “a modern version of David against Goliath.”
“Viktor Orban against Peter Magyar. A prime minister who stands by his people and who is against war and open borders,” he wrote on X. “On the other side is an opportunist who is backed by the entire EU propaganda machine, by figures like George Soros and by foreign financiers.”
Van Grieken said, “today the Hungarians are deciding not only the future of Hungary, but also that of the EU,” adding that he “unconditionally” backs Orban.
Voter turnout has reached a new record of 37.98% by 11:00 AM local time (09:00 GMT), marking a sharp rise from 16.89% at 09:00 (07:00 GMT) and 3.46% at 07:00 (05:00 GMT), the latter already nearly double the level seen four years ago.
Analysts say the 11:00 figure is a significant indicator of total turnout, with expectations of it potentially reaching 75-80%.
Earlier, Orban welcomed the high participation, saying it was “a good thing – the more of us [voting] the better.”
Viktor Orban has said he would congratulate Peter Magyar if he wins the election, speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Budapest.
Asked directly whether he would acknowledge a Magyar victory, Orban replied “yes,” while offering brief answers to other questions, including saying it would take a “big” defeat for him to consider stepping down as Fidesz leader.
Hungarians are also voting abroad, with reports of strong turnout at polling stations in several European cities.
Media reports cite large crowds outside a small voting station in Barcelona; images shared online show a long line at a polling station in Malaga, Spain, suggesting high turnout among expatriate voters.
More than 39,000 delegates have been registered across Hungary’s 10,047 vote-counting committees, according to the National Election Office, allowing parties and candidates to monitor the process.
Tisza deployed the largest number with nearly 20,000 delegates, followed by Fidesz-KDNP alliance with about 17,000, and the rest assigned by smaller parties and independents.
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party says it has received hundreds of reports of alleged election violations, with MEP Csaba Domotor stating that “639 cases of electoral violations were found, and 74 police reports are pending.”
Speaking to reporters, he stressed the need to act “against attempted electoral fraud related to the Tisza party.” The claims have not been independently verified.
Earlier, Tisza leader Peter Magyar also alleged irregularities, saying his party had received dozens of reports — though those claims likewise remain unconfirmed.
Turnout in Hungary’s election reached a record 16.89% by 9:00 AM local time (07:00 GMT), with around 1.27 million voters casting ballots – the highest early turnout since 1990.
Analyst Gabor Torok said turnout exceeding 70-75% could benefit the Tisza party in the contest with Fidesz, while potentially hurting smaller parties. He noted, however, that turnout alone is not a reliable predictor: Past elections have seen both Fidesz losses and landslide wins under similarly high turnout.
Orban has said he expects Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline immediately after Hungary’s election, responding to a question from RIA Novosti.
The prime minister earlier accused Kiev of effectively imposing an “oil blockade” on Hungary by cutting off Russian supplies via the pipeline in January, citing supposed damage from a Russian drone strike. Budapest rejected Ukraine’s claims that the disruption was caused by Russian strikes, arguing that Vladimir Zelensky’s government is deliberately trying to trigger an energy crisis to influence Hungary’s election.
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has filed a complaint against Magyar’s Tisza over alleged vote buying targeting Roma voters, citing an audio recording it says suggests plans to distribute subsidies disguised as donations.
According to Fidesz, the recording features Attila Stefan, chief of staff to Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi, discussing assistance for “needy Roma voters,” which the party says amounts to a potential crime against the electoral system. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The Roma are Europe’s largest ethnic minority, present across Central and Eastern Europe, including Hungary.
Turnout in Hungary’s parliamentary election reached 10.31% by 9:23 AM local time (07:23 GMT).
Earlier, turnout stood at 3.46% at 7:00 AM local time (05:00 GMT) – a record figure, nearly double the level seen four years ago.
Both Magyar and Orban have cast their ballots in the capital, Budapest.
Orban voted in Budapest’s single-member 4th constituency, telling reporters he is “here to win.” Asked about his 16 years in power and any regrets, he replied, “Thank you very much, I’m fine,” adding that the campaign brought “many uplifting moments” and opportunities to meet voters.
Magyar cast his ballot in Budapest’s 3rd constituency in the Hegyvidek area, also striking a confident tone. “No one can seriously think that the Tisza, and thus Hungary, will not win the election,” he said. He added that his party has received around 60 reports of alleged voting irregularities, though the claims have not been independently verified.
Magyar has urged voters to turn out in what he called a “fateful election,” calling it a decisive moment for Hungary’s future and contrasting his platform with the current system.
“The fateful election has begun, on which the fate of our beloved homeland will be decided for a long time to come,” he wrote in a post on X minutes after the vote began, calling on supporters to “change the system peacefully” by voting for the Tisza party.
Magyar presented the choice in sweeping terms: “East or West,” “corruption or clean public life,” and “war madness or true peace.”
Orban has dismissed these characterizations, maintaining that Hungary is already pursuing a sovereign, pragmatic course, balancing relations between East and West while prioritizing stability, economic security, and a negotiated end to the Ukraine conflict.
Reporter Chay Bowes has published an investigation into Orban’s opponent, Peter Magyar, questioning why a series of allegations about the candidate have received little attention in Western and EU media coverage.
Bowes points to claims surrounding Magyar’s past, including his rise during his marriage to former Justice Minister Judith Varga, as well as allegations of domestic abuse, substance use, and erratic behavior cited in past reports and by associates. He also raises questions about alleged insider trading linked to business roles Magyar held, and his use of private recordings of his ex-wife in launching his political career.
Bowes questions why, despite these issues, Magyar has been widely promoted by EU-backed opposition groups as a reform candidate ahead of the election.
Orban has thanked Trump for his endorsement ahead of the election, pledging to “continue working together to strengthen our economies and ensure the prosperity of our peoples.”
“America stands with us. Hungary is proud to be a great ally... Thank you for your support, Mr. President,” he wrote on X.
Longtime Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik has also backed Orban, writing on X: “I wish my dear friend [Orban] the best of luck and success in the upcoming elections.”
Dodik said he is confident the Hungarian people “will once again recognize the strength of a policy that safeguards sovereignty, stability, and the future of their country.”
Both Orban and Dodik advocate close ties with Russia, with Dodik arguing that the West used Ukraine “to provoke a war” with Moscow.
Dutch right-wing Freedom Party (PVV) leader Geert Wilders has backed Orban, pledging his support in a post on X.
“[Orban’s] brave and fierce resistance to illegal immigration and woke nonsense is an example for the rest of Europe!” he wrote.
Orban and Wilders share a long-standing political and personal alliance rooted in their anti-immigration and Euroskeptic views. Wilders’ PVV is part of the ‘Patriots for Europe’ group in the European Parliament, an alliance co-founded by Orban in 2024 to unite sovereignist forces across the bloc.
Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s right-wing National Rally (RN), expressed support for Viktor Orban, backing his anti-escalation, pro-negotiation stance on Ukraine, contrasting it with the EU’s insistence on further funding Kiev’s war effort.
“What Viktor Orban is doing is very courageous! Peace is the only solution that can put an end to the slaughter of human beings that this war represents,” Le Pen told Konnektivitas Magazine. “The EU wants to continue the war, and the Hungarian prime minister is one of the few European leaders who dares to say no.”
Orban has consistently opposed further EU military aid to Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks with Russia, while criticizing Brussels’ approach as pro-war.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered outside St. Matthias Church in Budapest on the eve of elections to support Viktor Orban.
“No one – not the EU, not Kiev – will make decisions for us. This is Hungary, and we decide how we live,” the crowd chanted.
Vote counting will begin after 7:00 PM (17:00 GMT) local time at most polling stations, with preliminary results – showing the share of processed ballots – expected from around 8:00 PM.
By election night, 92-95% of national list votes and 94-97% of single-member district votes are expected to be counted.
Hungary’s National Election Office (NVI) will count mail-in votes, publishing updates on a rolling basis.
Ballots from diplomatic missions, re-registered voters, and postal votes will be expected arrive at the NVI within four days. The office will then count mail-in votes, sort overseas ballots by constituency, and forward them by April 17 for final counting on April 17-18.
Hungary votes in a single-round parliamentary election, with polls open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Of 199 seats, 106 are decided in individual constituencies and 93 via party lists, including votes from citizens abroad. The party or coalition winning the most seats is invited to form a government.
Hungary’s election campaign has also been overshadowed by an escalating wiretapping scandal involving Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The controversy centers on claims that opposition-linked journalist Szabolcs Panyi helped foreign intelligence services obtain information about Szijjarto’s contacts with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, before details were passed to Western outlets.
The affair has intensified accusations of outside interference in the election and raised the stakes in the battle between Viktor Orban and his opponents.
Donald Trump Jr. has expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban after polls opened in the country’s parliamentary election.
“To our friends in Hungary, we hope you will vote for independent thinking and for someone who stands for Hungary First,” he wrote on X.
Czech leader Andrej Babis and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have expressed support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the country’s parliamentary election.
In a post on X, Babis said Orban “has always fought for a stronger Europe, one built on peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states and competitiveness.”
“In turbulent times, choosing stability and proven leadership matters more than ever,” he added.
Fico also praised Orban’s leadership, saying: “I have never met such a fighter for the sovereignty and national interests of his country.”
Polling stations have opened across Hungary in a closely watched national election that could determine the future of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. Voting began at 6am local time and is due to close at 7pm, with results expected later on Sunday.
The election has become a proxy battle between rival power centers in the West, with Orban backed by Donald Trump’s camp and Peter Magyar’s Tisza party seen as favored by many in Brussels.
The vote is about more than domestic politics: it is also a fight over EU pressure, Ukraine funding, Russian energy, and national sovereignty. Orban’s resistance to Brussels on sanctions, migration and Kiev has turned Hungary into a test case for Europe’s future direction – and made Sunday’s ballot one of the year’s most consequential political contests.