High Turnout and No Serious Violations: Observer Coalition Assesses Election in Hungary

Representatives of Ordo Iuris are participating in an international election observation mission in Hungary, as part of the Liberty Coalition for a Free and Fair Election (LCFFE). The Coalition was established to ensure transparency and compliance with the law in the electoral process in Hungary. It is made up of over 80 observers from various parts of the world, including Argentina, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, Kenya, Germany, Poland, Serbia, Tanzania, the United States, and Italy. Among them are representatives of recognized organizations and think tanks. The mission’s team of experts, consisting of eight members, began work two weeks before election day, while the other observers joined gradually in the days that followed. The coalition is led by Anna Wellisz of the Edmund Burke Foundation (USA) and Atty. Jerzy Kwaśniewski, the President of the Ordo Iuris Institute.

As part of the preparations, Coalition representatives held numerous meetings, including with the election authority, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, politicians, non-governmental organizations, the media, and voters. After the preparatory phase ended, on election day, observers conducted monitoring nationwide. They were present in 45 single-member electoral districts and visited 60 polling stations, observing the opening of polling stations, the conduct of voting, and the vote-counting process. After the observation concluded, the Coalition prepared a press release summarizing its findings. As stated in the press release, Hungary’s parliamentary election was held in a free and democratic manner, with record turnout, indicating a high level of public trust. The whole electoral process was assessed positively—no serious violations that could have affected the election results were recorded, though isolated incidents did occur. The secrecy of the vote and the accessibility of procedures for all voters were ensured.

The Coalition announces continued monitoring, which will also include analysis of the election campaign and any potential attempts at external interference. In the near future, a detailed report will be published covering both the conduct of the campaign and the election itself, including, among other things, the legal framework of the electoral system, campaign financing, the media landscape—including the role of social media—and issues related to external interference.

The full text of the press release from the Coalition for a Free and Fair Election:

Liberty Coalition for Free and Fair Election Press Release Free and Fair Elections with Historical Turnout in Hungary

Hungarian voters – participating in record numbers – were able to cast their votes in democratic and free elections for the members of the next National Assembly. This reflects the Hungarian electorate’s trust in democracy and in the integrity of the electoral system.

After weeks of preparatory work, on election day the Liberty Coalition for a Free and Fair Election deployed more than 80 observers who carried out monitoring activities across the entire country. In the course of their work, they were present in 45 single-member constituencies and visited 60 polling stations.

Overall, they gave a positive assessment of the work of the polling stations and of the general conduct of the elections. They did not encounter any major incidents affecting the integrity or proper conduct of the electoral process. At present, they continue to participate in observation activities, including monitoring the counting of votes.

Polling commissions were adequately prepared to assist voters with special needs, including persons with disabilities. Those unable to attend in person were afforded the opportunity to vote through mobile ballot boxes. Each voter received two ballots (one for the national list and one for an individual candidate) and was provided with an opportunity to complete them in a designated voting booth ensuring the secrecy of the vote. Votes were cast in an anonymous manner.

During the course of the observation, members of the mission noted some incidents during the voting process. According to the observers, none of the identified irregularities, whether considered individually or cumulatively, resulted in a breach of European electoral standards. Based on media reports and information provided by the electoral authorities, there were a few more notable incidents, mostly linked to opposition parties – for example, a bodyguard of a leading opposition candidate entered a polling station wearing a party badge – but these did not materially affect the professional conduct of the elections.

Members of the election commissions did not object to the presence of international observers – a guarantee of a free and fair election – and responded to all inquiries regarding the conduct of the elections.

Election commissions were composed of individuals appointed by all political parties (both opposition and governing parties), as well as independent members elected by local government authorities. Voters exercised their right to vote freely.

The work of the Liberty Coalition continues, and we will provide further updates and evaluations, covering the campaign period as well, which was marked by attempts at foreign interference from supranational actors, as well as concerns related to threats to Hungary’s energy security from Ukraine.