The elections in Hungary have managed to take a special place in the country's democratic history even before they are over.
Alpar Kato, co-founder and editor-in-chief of "Daily News Hungary", told Modern.az. According to him, as of 17:00, voter turnout has exceeded 74 percent, which leaves the 2022 results far behind:
“This level of citizen mobilization has not been observed since 1989. A significant increase in voter activity is particularly noticeable in cities and large settlements. Pre-election polls show serious disagreement in society. While independent polling centers show the Tisza Party in the lead, government-affiliated institutions report Fidesz's superiority. Both sides declaring themselves winners aims to influence hesitant voters.” According to the expert, the election campaigns of the parties were also conducted in completely different directions:
“Viktor Orban built his campaign mainly on foreign policy, highlighting the risks of war, criticizing Ukraine and Brussels. Péter Maqar, on the other hand, focused on internal problems – the state of the healthcare system, the housing crisis, economic stagnation, and corruption issues. This presents voters with two different models for the future.”
Alper Kato added that the outcome of the elections will directly affect the country's foreign policy course:
“If Orban remains in power, relations with Moscow will continue, and tensions with the European Union will remain. Orban's failure to win would mean a sharp turn: steps such as normalizing relations with the European Union, unblocking frozen EU funds, and restoring relations with Poland could be taken.” The political commentator believes that high voter turnout is a political message in itself:
“Historically, increased activity in cities works in favor of the opposition. But the final result will be determined by 106 single-mandate constituencies. Preliminary results will be announced around 20:00 this evening, and final results will be confirmed after votes cast abroad are counted. If the difference is large, the preliminary results will show the overall picture. But if it's a close fight, every vote will be decisive.”
