Hungary election live: voters head to the polls in contest that could see end of Viktor Orbán’s rule

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Hungary votes as the future of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule hangs in balance

Jakub Krupa

Hello from Budapest where Hungarians are voting in a closely contested election that could oust Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power and potentially reshape the central European country’s relations with the EU, Moscow and Washington.

Hungarians turn out to vote in elections – video

Pre-election day polls appeared to suggest that Péter Magyar of the centre-right Tisza party could be on course to win the election, ending Orbán’s era, much criticised for weakening the rule of law and civil liberties, and raising hopes of a more pro-European government in Budapest.

But it’s still a long way to go before that happens. For what it’s worth, ignoring the noise, Orbán seemed pretty confident about the outcome in his final campaign appearances.

We will bring you all the latest in the coming hours with first-hand reports from polling stations, all the necessary background, and then – obviously – the results and reactions to the vote.

The voting closes 7pm local time (6pm UK).

Stay with us for all the latest from Hungary.

A voting card is seen at the polling station during the parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary. Photograph: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

It’s Sunday, 12 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live from Budapest, Hungary.

Good afternoon.

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