Hungary’s election and governance system explained

Hungary’s election and governance system shapes its policies, leadership, and international standing. Drawing on official sources and recent data, let’s explore the mechanics.

The Electoral System: A Mixed-Member Majoritarian Puzzle

Hungary’s parliamentary elections are built on a mixed-member majoritarian (MMM) system, a two-vote setup that combines local and national representation. Since its introduction in 2012, this system allocates 199 seats in the National Assembly, Hungary’s unicameral parliament. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Seat Allocation: Of the 199 seats, 106 come from single-member constituencies (SMCs) decided by a first-past-the-post vote—meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, no majority required. The remaining 93 seats are distributed via a national party list using proportional representation with the D’Hondt method, which tends to favor larger parties.

• Two Votes, One Goal: Voters in Hungary cast two ballots:

  • One for a local candidate in their constituency.

  • Another for a national party or minority list.

  • Citizens without a Hungarian address are limited to voting for the party list, reducing their influence to the proportional seats.

• Thresholds for Representation: To secure party-list seats, parties face specific hurdles:

  • Single parties need 5% of the national vote.

  • Two-party alliances require 10%.

  • Coalitions of three or more parties must hit 15%.

  • National minority lists, however, have a much lower bar—roughly 0.27% of the vote (calculated as total votes divided by 93 list mandates, then divided by 4). This allows groups like German Hungarians to gain representation with minimal votes, as seen in past elections.

• How Seats Are Assigned: The process is intricate:

  • Minority list mandates are prioritized using a preferential quota.

  • “Fractional votes”—surplus votes from constituency winners and votes for losing candidates—are added to party-list totals for parties above the threshold.

  • The D’Hondt method then allocates remaining seats based on party-list rankings.

  • If a minority list doesn’t win a seat, its top candidate becomes a minority spokesperson, attending sessions without voting rights.

• By-Elections and Timing: If a constituency seat is vacated (e.g., due to a tie or death), a by-election fills it. For list seats, parties or minority groups nominate replacements from their lists; if the list is exhausted, the seat stays vacant. Elections occur every four years, with the president setting the date at least 72 days in advance. Voting is universal, voluntary, equal, direct, and secret, ensuring broad participation.

• The Catch: Critics argue the system is disproportionate, favoring larger parties like Fidesz-KDNP, the ruling coalition. In 2014, Fidesz’s votes were amplified by 3-4% due to constituency imbalances, securing 96 of 106 SMCs. The “winner compensation” mechanism, where fractional votes boost list seats, further tilts the scales. Allegations of gerrymandering and a 2012 ban on referendums about election laws have fueled debates about fairness.

The 2022 Election: A Snapshot of Fidesz’s Grip

The 2022 parliamentary election offers a clear lens into Hungary’s electoral dynamics. With a 69.53% turnout for party-list votes and 70.64% for constituencies, voters showed strong engagement. Here’s how the results shook out:

• Fidesz-KDNP’s Dominance: The coalition, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, clinched a two-thirds majority with 135 seats, reinforcing their control since 2010. Their 54.13% of party-list votes translated into 68% of seats, highlighting the system’s bias toward winners.

• Opposition Struggles: United for Hungary, a broad opposition alliance, secured 57 seats but fell short of challenging Fidesz. Smaller parties like the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party didn’t cross the 5% threshold, leaving them seatless.

• Minority Representation: The German minority won one seat, while other groups like Croats and Slovaks sent spokespersons, ensuring a modest voice for ethnic communities.

Since 2010, Fidesz has consistently secured supermajorities, enabling constitutional changes that have reshaped Hungary’s political framework.

Government Structure: Who Holds the Power?

Hungary operates as a unitary parliamentary republic, with a clear division of roles:

• National Assembly (Országgyűlés): This 199-member body is Hungary’s legislative powerhouse, passing laws, approving budgets, and electing the president. Reduced from 386 seats in 2012, it’s elected every four years and serves as the sole parliamentary authority.

• President of Hungary: A largely ceremonial figure, the president is elected by the Assembly for a five-year term, with a two-term limit. The current president, Tamás Sulyok, took office in March 2025. The role involves symbolic duties and limited powers, like appointing the prime minister after Assembly elections.

• Prime Minister: The real executive muscle lies here. Elected by the Assembly and appointed by the president, the prime minister leads the cabinet and shapes policy. Viktor Orbán, in power since 2010, has been a dominant figure, steering Hungary’s direction since May 24, 2022.

• Local Governance: Hungary’s decentralized system includes municipalities handling local services like education and waste management, and counties coordinating regional policies. Budapest, with its Lord Mayor and district mayors, holds special status. Local elections, held every five years, ensure grassroots representation, though central control has grown.

• EU Representation: Hungary sends 21 members to the European Parliament, with the latest vote on June 9, 2024. Fidesz has historically dominated here too, winning 56.36% in 2009 and maintaining influence.