Elections in Hungary

Elections in Hungary are the main formal way for eligible voters to choose public representatives. The major types are parliamentary elections, municipal elections, and elections to the European Parliament, while referendums ask voters to decide a stated question. Parliamentary elections are called országgyűlési választások. Hungary uses a mixed system that combines representatives elected in single-member constituencies with seats distributed through national lists. A voter in a parliamentary election normally makes separate choices for a constituency candidate and a national list. These choices serve different parts of the electoral system and do not have to support the same political group. The mixed system also includes rules that connect constituency results with list-seat calculations. Its purpose is to combine direct local representation with broader party-based representation, although the exact legal calculation is more complex than simply adding votes. Municipal elections are called önkormányzati választások. Depending on the settlement and office involved, voters may choose a mayor, local representatives, and other territorial or community representatives under the applicable local system. European Parliament elections allow eligible voters in Hungary to choose among lists competing for Hungary's representation in the European Parliament. They do not elect the Hungarian government or the National Assembly. Candidates and nominating organizations must meet legal nomination requirements. Election bodies administer voting, maintain election records, count ballots, publish results, and address procedural matters within their powers. The National Election Office is called the Nemzeti Választási Iroda. Election commissions make defined electoral decisions, while courts may review certain disputes through the procedures provided by law. Voting is secret, and each voter must follow the identification and polling rules for that election. Special arrangements may exist for voters away from their usual address, living abroad, requiring accessible voting, or belonging to a recognized nationality community, but the correct route depends on personal status.