Hungary: Parliamentary elections nationwide on April 8

Event

Hungary is set to hold nationwide parliamentary elections on Sunday, April 8. Multiple election-related events are set to take place in Budapest on Friday, April 6, Sunday, April 8, and Monday, April 9, including:

• Campaign event drawing approximately 1500 participants at the Batthyány Eternal Flame at 15:00 (local time) on Friday;
• Campaign event with up to 2000 participants at Március 15. tér at 18:00 on Friday;
• Election results event at Alkotmány utca by Kossuth Lajos tér from 08:00 on Sunday until 06:00 on Monday;
• Election results event at Szabadság tér and Kossuth Lajos tér and surrounding streets at 17:00 on Sunday;
• Election results event at Szabadság tér and surrounding streets at 18:00 on Sunday.

An increased security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of all election events. Additional rallies are likely in Budapest and other major urban centers in the coming days.

Context

Hungary holds parliamentary elections every four years. In the most recent election in 2014, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's ruling Fidesz party and coalition partner Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) won 45 percent of the vote and 67 percent of seats in Parliament.

Advice

Individuals in Hungary are advised to avoid all rallies and demonstrations, to prepare for associated traffic disruptions, and to adhere to all orders issued by local authorities.