April general election “efficiently edministered” but several shortcomings – OSCE

(MTI) – Hungary’s April 6 general election was “efficiently administered” and offered voters a “diverse choice”, the OSCE said in a report on its election observation mission.

But the ruling Fidesz party enjoyed an “undue advantage” due to “restrictive” campaign rules and “biased media coverage”, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said, commenting on a limited observation mission carried out by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

A number of key amendments adopted had negative effects on the electoral process, including removal of some checks and balances, the report seen by MTI on Saturday said.

“Significant elements of the electoral system were altered, including provisions for the surplus votes of winning candidates in each constituency to be transferred to parties participating in the national, proportional contest. This change itself resulted in an additional six seats being allocated to the alliance of Fidesz,” the report said.