Opposition Tisza Party Projected to Secure Landslide Victory as Hungary Polls Close

Following a record-breaking 77.8 percent turnout, polling stations across Hungary have closed, with early data suggesting a historic shift away from Viktor Orban’s 16-year rule. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, leaves the voting booth in Budapest during a 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 Polling stations across Hungary officially closed at 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, April 12, following an election day marked by unprecedented voter mobilization. Participation was particularly high in strategic regions. Both Budapest and the surrounding Pest County reported identical turnout rates of 80.96% by 6:30 p.m. The highest participation was recorded in the Győr-Moson-Sopron district at 81.9% , followed closely by Vas County at 81.5%. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The record activity coincides with two final pre-election surveys published by BBC that project a decisive victory for the opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar. A poll by Median suggests Tisza could receive 57.1% of the vote, potentially securing 135 seats in the 199-member National Assembly –  surpassing the 133 seats required for a two-thirds majority. The 21 Research Centre predicts a similar outcome with 55% of the vote and 132 seats for the opposition. In contrast, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party is projected to receive between 37% and 38% of the vote. While these figures are based on surveys conducted between April 7 and April 11 rather than exit polls, they indicate a major challenge to the incumbent government. Hungarians are electing 199 members of the unicameral National Assembly: 106 through single-member constituencies and 93 via party lists. The party or coalition that secures a majority will earn the mandate to form a government for the next four years. Other Topics of Interest Hungary election: What’s at stake for Ukraine, Russia, and the EU? A pivotal moment for Europe, Ukraine, and others, as Viktor Orbán faces his biggest challenge in years in a vote that has implications beyond Hungary. The high-stakes election has drawn global attention, with US President Donald Trump publicly endorsing Orban , while European leaders monitor the potential for a pro-European shift in Budapest. As counting begins across more than 10,000 locations, the first official results are expected to emerge shortly, determining whether Orban will secure a fifth consecutive term or if Magyar’s movement will successfully achieve its promised “system change.” 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.