By Our Correspondent

National News – Hungary held a high-stakes parliamentary election on Sunday that could end 16 years of rule by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, with voters deciding between his Fidesz party and opposition challenger Péter Magyar’s Tisza movement.

The vote, taking place across the country, has major implications for democracy, EU relations, NATO alignment, and Hungary’s ties with Russia and Ukraine, amid growing concerns over corruption, economy, and governance.

Hungarians turned out in large numbers, with early turnout reported at 16.89% within three hours, significantly higher than previous elections, suggesting strong voter mobilisation.

Polls show a tight race, with Magyar’s Tisza party leading in many surveys, while Orbán insists he can still secure victory despite mounting political pressure, economic strain, and corruption allegations.

The election uses Hungary’s mixed parliamentary system, where 199 seats are contested through both constituency and party-list votes, often benefiting the ruling party due to vote transfer rules.

Péter Magyar has pledged to restore stronger ties with the European Union and NATO, tackle corruption, and reverse constitutional changes made under Orbán’s long rule.

Orbán, in contrast, has campaigned on sovereignty, anti-Brussels rhetoric, and resistance to military support for Ukraine, maintaining close ties with Russia.

Analysts say the result could reshape Hungary’s democratic institutions and influence wider European politics depending on whether Fidesz retains a majority or loses power.

Final results are expected after polls close at 19:00 local time, with early counts from battleground constituencies likely to determine whether Orbán secures a fifth consecutive term or is replaced by Magyar’s opposition coalition.

Experts warn that closely contested districts and Hungary’s electoral rules could delay final confirmation for days.

Rising political tension, coupled with concerns over media freedom and corruption, has heightened fears of post-election unrest depending on the outcome.

The outcome is being closely watched across Europe and the United States due to Hungary’s strategic role in NATO and its ongoing disputes with EU institutions over rule of law and foreign policy alignment and regional stability.