12 April 2026

17:09 GMT
Polling stations have now closed and counting is underway, with preliminary results expected within an hour.

Hungarian pollsters do not conduct exit polls, instead releasing their final opinion polls – conducted in the days leading up to the election – at this time.

The 21 Research Center, which is financed by the European Commission, has just released its final survey, predicting a 55% – 38% victory for Tisza, and 135 seats in Parliament for Peter Magyar’s party, compared to 62 for Fidesz.

The 21 Research Center’s polls have consistently showed Tisza winning by a sizable margin in the runup to the vote, but on election day itself, both Orban and Magyar have stressed that every vote could be decisive.

16:09 GMT
Fidesz and Tisza have both prepared victory parties in Budapest. At Fidesz’ event, a stage has been set up alongside the Danube.

On the opposite side of the river, Tisza is selling glasses of ‘System-changing beer’ at its own event.

15:59 GMT

Turnout reached 74.23% by 5pm, exceeding the total 2022 turnout two hours before polls close. Hungarian media are now predicting an unprecedented final figure of more than 80%.