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Hungary’s official election campaign kicks off today: here’s what you need to know
Hungary has entered the official campaign period for the upcoming parliamentary elections, launching the most intense 50 days of political activity before voters head to the polls in April. From signature drives and street posters to state funding and unlimited spending, parties and candidates now face a tightly regulated – yet increasingly high-stakes – race.
Based on summaries by Telex and 444.hu, here are the most important rules, deadlines and changes to keep in mind.
Candidates must collect 500 signatures
From the first day of the campaign, prospective constituency candidates can begin collecting supporting signatures.
To officially stand, each individual candidate must gather at least 500 valid recommendations from voters in their own district by early March. Signatures must be submitted on official forms issued by local election offices.
Voters must provide:
- name
- address
- personal identification number
- handwritten signature
One voter may support multiple candidates, but only within their own constituency.
Signature gathering is banned in workplaces, public transport, schools, hospitals, government buildings and private property without permission.
Party lists face stricter requirements
Parties must also meet nationwide thresholds to register a national list.
To do so, they need candidates in:
- at least 14 counties plus Budapest, and
- 71 of the 106 constituencies
National lists must be registered by early March.
Voters can check for misuse of their data
To prevent fraud, the Nemzeti Választási Iroda (National Elections Office) allows citizens to verify online whether their personal details or signature have been used without consent. This system was introduced after concerns during previous elections.
Posters and rallies return to the streets
Campaigning officially includes any activity aimed at influencing voters.
From now on, parties may:
- put up posters
- organise rallies
- contact voters directly
- run political advertisements
Posters can be displayed without special notification but must show the publisher’s details. They cannot be placed on monuments, protected buildings, nature reserves, or government offices. Private property requires the owner’s consent.
Local councils are no longer allowed to introduce extra restrictions beyond national law.
Election rallies do not need police notification, though public space permits may still be required.
Political ads on TV and radio
Broadcast rules differ by platform.
Political adverts on public channels operated by MTVA must be aired free of charge and under equal conditions for all parties. Commercial broadcasters may choose whether to participate.
RTL has confirmed it will run political advertising but will avoid so-called “public interest” government messages during the campaign.
Paid political advertisements in newspapers and online media are permitted, but outlets must publish pre-declared price lists for transparency.
Generous state funding but strict accounting
Both candidates and parties receive state campaign support.
Individual candidates receive roughly HUF 1.7 million each. Parties running nationwide lists can obtain hundreds of millions to over one billion forints, depending on how many districts they contest.
However, funds must be accounted for after the election. Candidates who fail to win at least 2% of votes, or parties that do not reach 1% nationally, must repay the money. Debts are enforced by tax authorities.
Oversight falls to the Állami Számvevőszék (State Audit Office of Hungary).
No more campaign spending limits
One major change this election: there is no longer a spending cap.
Previously, parties faced strict limits on how much they could spend per candidate. The parliamentary majority led by Fidesz abolished the cap last year, meaning parties can now spend unlimited sums.
Experts warn this may further reduce transparency and give wealthier political forces a significant advantage.
Key voter deadlines
Important dates include:
- transferring to another polling station: until 2 April
- requesting mobile ballot boxes: until election day (12 April)
- registering for voting abroad at embassies (until 2 April)
- postal voting for citizens outside Hungary (28 March – 12 April)
Polling day itself is on 12 April, with campaign activities prohibited on the day of voting.
What to expect
With signature drives already underway and posters about to fill the streets, Hungarians can expect an increasingly visible and aggressive campaign season. For voters, understanding the rules and deadlines will be crucial in the weeks ahead.
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