Hungary Sees Record 74 Percent Turnout in Historic Election as Polls Near Close

Voter participation has shattered previous records, reaching over 77% in Budapest, as Hungarians decide the fate of Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Solymar, 20kms far from Budapest at the general election in Hungary, on April 12, 2026. (Photo by Ferenc ISZA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Voter turnout in Hungary’s parliamentary elections reached a historic 74.23% by 5:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, April 12, according to the National Election Office (NVI). A total of 5,587,935 citizens had cast their ballots two hours before the polls were scheduled to close. The highest participation rate was recorded in the Győr-Moson-Sopron district at 78.19%, while the capital, Budapest, saw a massive turnout of 77.18%. The lowest participation was noted in the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén district, where 68.13% of voters turned out. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The surge in participation follows a day of record-breaking numbers. By 9:00 a.m., turnout had already reached 16.89%, nearly 7 percentage points higher than in 2022 . Analysts suggest the high activity in urban centers like Budapest could be a significant factor for the opposition, led by former government insider Peter Magyar, who has promised a “system change” and a return to a pro-European course . The election day has been marked by high tension and accusations of misconduct. Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party accused Magyar’s Tisza party of attempting to buy votes from the Roma community, while the opposition has highlighted the stakes of the election for Hungary’s future in the EU . As polling stations across more than 10,000 locations prepare to close at 7:00 p.m., the global community remains focused on the results. US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Orban , while European leaders are watching closely to see if Budapest will shift away from its “thorn” status regarding sanctions and Ukraine aid. Other Topics of Interest Hungarians Vote in Closely Watched Election, with Orban’s Rule on Line Opinion polls suggest the party of pro-European conservative Peter Magyar -- who has promised a “system change” -- is running well ahead of that of Orban. Final results are expected to emerge late Sunday night, determining whether Orban will secure a fifth consecutive term or if Magyar’s rising movement will pull off an unprecedented victory. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.