Voting has concluded across Hungary in the tenth parliamentary election since the democratic transition.
More than 10,000 polling stations were open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., welcoming approximately 7.5 million eligible voters. A total of 639 candidates competed in 106 individual constituencies, while an additional 93 mandates are distributed through national party lists.
Participation extended beyond Hungary’s borders as well. More than 90,000 citizens voted at foreign representations, while nearly half a million non-resident voters cast their ballots by mail. In addition, over 224,000 voters chose to vote outside their registered constituencies through transfer registration. National minority voters were able to vote for their respective minority lists instead of party lists, ensuring representation for nearly all recognized minorities, with the exception of the Serbian community.
According to the legal framework, the National Election Committee is responsible for establishing the final results of the national party lists within 19 days following the vote. This finalization serves as the basis for the official allocation of mandates and is scheduled to take place on May 4th.
At the current stage, with the National processing progress at 98.94%, the preliminary distribution of parliamentary seats indicates that TISZA will hold 138 representatives, Fidesz–KDNP 55 representatives, and Our Homeland 6 representatives in the Parliament. These figures provide an early picture of the composition of the new legislature, although the formal confirmation process is still ongoing.
Following the election, the President of the Republic is required by the Fundamental Law to convene the inaugural session of the new Parliament within 30 days, no later than May 12th. During this session, Members of Parliament formally verify their mandates and take their oath, officially beginning their legislative duties.
The inaugural sitting also plays a key institutional role. The President nominates a candidate for Prime Minister, and Parliament decides on the nomination through an open vote. A simple majority—more than half of all representatives—is required for election. Once elected, the prime minister immediately assumes office.
In addition, Parliament elects its Speaker, deputy speakers, and notaries. Standing committees may also be formed at this stage, although in some previous cycles their establishment has taken place at a later session, depending on political agreements between parliamentary groups.
In the interim period, the outgoing government continues to function in a caretaker capacity until the new government is formed. Its powers are limited: it may not recognize binding international treaties and may only issue decrees in urgent cases with proper legal authorization. Similarly, the outgoing prime minister may not propose the appointment or dismissal of ministers during this period.
