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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Single-member constituencies shall be established in a manner that ... the number of voters will be approximately identical.
Source: Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 On the Elections of Members of Parliament. Sec. 4 Art. 2(c): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327.
Verified: 2018/07/30
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . A government department or agency
Comments: The government is responsible for the final approval of the constituency boundaries.
Source: Based on Act C/1997 Art 152 and Act XXXIV/1989 Art 50 (2) the goverment is entitled to approve the constituencies.
The Decree of The Government 2/1990.
Verified: 2002/07/05
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
Comments: Single-member constituencies shall be established in a manner that
a) they will not cross county boundaries or the boundaries of Budapest;
b) they will form contiguous areas,
c) the number of voters will be approximately identical.
The number of voters in any individual constituency may only deviate from the national arithmetic mean of voters in single-member constituencies by any rate above fifteen percent, also in consideration of geographical, ethnic, historical, religious and other local characteristics and of any migration of the population, in order to enforce the provisions of Subsection (2)a) and b).
Source: Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sec.4 (2) & (4): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327.
Verified: 2018/07/30
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
b . Citizen population
Comments: Number of population shall be approximately equal.
Source: Act C/1997 on the electoral procedure.
Verified: 2002/07/05
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: (5) The number of single-member constituencies in counties and Budapest shall be contained in Annex 1, and their serial numbers, seats and territorial division in Annex 2.
(6) If the deviation referred to in Subsection (4) exceeds 20%, Parliament shall amend Annex 2. Annex 2 may not be amended during the period between the first day of the year preceding the general election of Members of Parliament and the day on which the general election of Members of Parliament is held, with the exception of any election held due to the voluntary or mandatory dissolution of Parliament.
Source: Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sec.4(5) & (6): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327.
Verified: 2018/07/30
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
a . Changes in number of total population g . Changes in administrative boundaries l . Other
Comments: l)Settlement annexation between counties.
Source: Act XLI/1999 on territory organization procedure.
Verified: 2002/07/05
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The Head of State of Hungary shall be the President of the Republic, who shall embody the unity of the nation and be the guardian of the democratic functioning of the state
organisation.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (as Amended to 2013), The State, Art.9 (1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Prime Minister shall be elected by Parliament on the recommendation of the President of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (as Amended to 2013), The State, Article 16 (3): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (as Amended to 2013), The State, 9-14: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: In HUNGARY the supreme body of popular representation shall be Parliament
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 1(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
h . Mixed Member Proportional
Comments: One hundred and six Members of Parliament shall be elected in individual constituencies and ninety-three from national lists.
Source: Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sec. 3(2): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments: Hungarian parliament is unicameral.
Source: Constitution art 19.
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
g . Other
Comments: Question not answered
Source: Act XXXIV of 1989
Verified: 2005/01/13
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Specially delimited constituencies c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: The Hungarian electoral system consists of three elements: national list (compensational), regional lists (proportional; in the capital and in 19 counties). Additional, 176 deputies are elected from majoritarian constituencies.
Source: Act XXXIV/1989
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Hungarian parliament is unicameral.
Source: Constitution art 19.
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law on ethnic and national minorities provides to create or preserve special seats but these are still no one in place.
Source: Act XXXIV/1989
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: "In order to be eligible for a mandate at the territorial level, a party list must secure a minimum of 5% of the vote after all territorial votes are aggregated at the national level. Only parties passing this 5% threshold at the national level qualify for mandate at the territorial and national levels."
Source: Act XXXIV/1989 Art. 8 paragraph 5
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (www.osce.org/odihr/election/hung1-4.htm)
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: Act XXXIV/1989
Verified: 2002/05/23
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/09/12
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom) c . On a fixed day of the week (specify day, specify if holiday)
Comments: The election takes place every fourth year in April-May. The date of the election is called by the Head of State.
Source: Constitution, art 20. paragraph 1.
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997, art 61 paragraph (1).
Verified: 2002/07/05
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/09/13
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation c . Decree
Comments: The basic principles and regulations are found in the Fundamental Law of Hungary, Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary and the Law on the Electoral Procedure. Some technical question is regulated by decrees and administrative measures.
Acting within its competence, the Government shall adopt decrees by statutory
authorisation on any matter not regulated by an Act.
Source: Electoral Law: Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure, last modified on 6 May 2010, Articles 132-146:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/hungary-act-c-of-1997-on-electoral-procedure-2016;
Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327;
Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Articles 8, 10-12: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure:
http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: This Act shall be applied with regard to
a) elections of Members of Parliament; b) elections of representatives and mayors of municipalities; c) elections of representatives of minority local self-governments; d) elections of members of the European Parliament; e) in procedures regarding which the application of this Act is required by law [a)-e) hereinafter together: 'elections'].
Source: Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure, last modified on 6 May 2010, Art. 2: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/act-c-of-1997-on-electoral-procedure/view;
Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sec. 1: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sec.2(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/hungary-2011-law-cciii-on-election-of-members-of/view
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sec. 2(b): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: Comments: The national elections have to be held on a different day than the local elections (under the provisions of constitution) National elections have to be held in April or May Constitution Art 20 paragraph (1), local government elections shall be held in October Constitution 44 paragraph (2)
Source: Constitution
Verified: 2002/05/23
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments: Comments: The president is elected by the Parliament.
Source: Source Info: Constitution 29/A, 29/B
Verified: 2002/05/23
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: Sec.209(1): Objections shall be submitted so that they are received by the election commission with scope and competence in adjudging them on the third day after the legal violation at the latest.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 208-212 & 297: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments: The affected legal person has also the right to submit cases to the agency (ies) which adjudicates formal disputes.
Source: Act C/1997 Art 77.
Verified: 2002/07/05
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court d . Local Court
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997 Art 77.
Verified: 2002/07/05
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government e . Legislature
Comments: Right to vote is a fundamental right, therefore based on art 8. (2) of the Constitution it can be regulated only by Acts of the Parliament. Propositions to modify the Law is entitled by the Government, any members of Parliament, President of the Republic or any Legislative Comittee (Standing orders Art 85).
Parliament must vote 2/3 majority to pass electoral reform.
Source: Constitution, art 85.
Verified: 2002/07/05
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The national electoral body has the responsibility at the election of the Members of Parliament; the election of the Members of the European Parliament; and the election of the representatives and mayors of local governments and the election of minority municipalities.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 71 & 72: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997, art 34(2)
Verified: 2002/07/05
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Section 54
(1) The National Election Office shall be an agency with an independent title in the national budget within the budgetary chapter of Parliament.
(2) The key figures on the expense and revenue side of its budget regarding the current year may only be reduced by Parliament.
(3) Funds left over from the revenues of the previous year may be spent by the National Election Office on its functions in successive years.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 54: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Section 12. The costs associated with the tasks of the state in the area of preparing and conducting elections, as well as other costs arising in connection with the activities of election bodies, shall be financed from the national budget – to the extent determined by Parliament. The State Audit Office shall inform Parliament about the use of these financial resources.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 12: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 9 Years.
"(1) The mandate a) of elected members of the National Election Commission shall last for nine years from the inaugural meeting of the National Election Commission"
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 33(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: By the EMB itself.
Source: Act C/1997 Art 28 paragraph 2
Verified: 2002/05/23
EM011
What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 10,7 %
Election Management Body administration 32,44%
Staff/Equipment/Supplies included in the previous point
Security 8,56 %
Official funding of parties and candidates 2,6%
Voter education 4,36%
Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 10,9%
Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs
Polling operations 15,48%
Vote tabulation 13,21%
Other 1,75%
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/11/04
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: Section 12
The costs associated with the tasks of the state in the area of preparing and conducting elections, as well as other costs arising in connection with the activities of election bodies, shall be financed from the national budget – to the extent determined by Parliament. The State Audit Office shall inform Parliament about the use of these financial resources. The National Election Commission is otherwise independent.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 12 & 53: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 10 members.
Section 20
(1) The seven members and three alternate members of the National Election Commission shall be elected by Parliament for a term of nine years on the proposal of the President of the Republic within ninety days of the termination of the mandate of the previous National Election Commission.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 20: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments: Sec.17(1)
d) National Electoral Commission members must be voters in the central register.
Sec.18
...the following persons may not serve on election commissions:
a) members of political parties;
b) members of nominating organisations that put forward a candidate in the constituency in question;
c) relatives of candidates standing in the constituency in question;
d) persons in Government service, public employee or service relationship or other work-related relationship with central administration bodies as defined in the Act on Central Administration Authorities, and on the Legal Status of Members of the Government and State Secretaries or other administrative bodies with powers in the election commission's areas of competence, and state leaders.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 17 & 18: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.32946.
Verified: 2018/07/30
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature g . Political parties
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 20 & 27: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 75 & 76: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Hungarian EMB Website: http://www.valasztas.hu/home.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2018/07/30
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2018/07/30
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement h . Other
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/05/23
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement f . Mail-outs h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments: The educations are organised and carried out by National Electoral Office, by the Foundation for Elections, by the Open Society Institue and both by public and private media.
Source:
Verified: 2002/05/23
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
b . Young people/ first time voters c . Women d . Ethnic minorities
Comments: Electoral Guidelines issued by National Electoral Office, First time votersâ education by Foundation for Elections
The Open Society Insitute made a campaign which was specially developed for minorites - not only ethnic, but every possible kind of minorities.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 102(2): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Every adult citizen of any other member state of the European Union who is a resident of Hungary shall have the right to be a voter as well as a candidate in the elections of local representatives and mayors, and of members of the European Parliament.
A person disenfranchised by a court for committing an offence or due to his or her limited mental capacity shall have no suffrage.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (as Amended to 2013), Freedom and Responsibilities, Article XXIII: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration b . Previous Conviction d . Mental disability h . Other
Comments: a) Being forbidden from public matters (court decision).
d) Being under institutional compulsory medical treatment.
h) Being under guardianship excluding or restraining disposing capacity.
Source: Constitution and Act XXXIV/1989.
Verified: 2002/07/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: § 12 After having called the election, the head of the local election office shall compile, on the grounds of the data of the particulars and address register and the register of major citizens disfranchised, the electoral roll, and shall continuously bring forward alterations in it.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 75 & 76: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997, art 12.
Verified: 2002/07/05
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997, art 12.
Verified: 2002/07/05
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/05/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Eligible voters and citizens are automatically entered into the register.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 81-83: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Sections 6(1), 8(1), 8(4), 9(2), & 9(4): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 132-136: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468#foot194.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: Every adult Hungarian citizen shall have the right to be a voter as well as a candidate in the elections of Members of Parliament, local representatives and mayors, and of members of the European Parliament.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, Freedom and Responsibilities, art. XXIII(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 119-121a, 122, & 123: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468#foot194.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source: Constitution, Chapter II.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration
Comments: 50 signatures of deputies of the parliament are needed.
The President is elected by the Parliament. Every voter can be elected for president over the age of 35.
Source: Constitution art 29/A.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration c . Criminal record k . Mental health problems
Comments:
Source: Act XXXIV/1989 art 2.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration k . Mental health problems
Comments:
Source: Constitution art 29/A.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Any Hungarian citizen above the age of 35 years may be elected to serve as the President of the Republic.
A candidate in any individual constituency may run for election as
a) the candidate of any political party or
b) an independent candidate.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 10(2): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953;
Electoral Law: Act CCIII of 2011 on the Elections of Members of Parliament of Hungary, Section 5(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=142940.283327.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: 750
Source: Act XXXIV/1989 Art 5 para (2)
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Parliament is unicameral.
Source: Constituion Art 19 et seq
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: President is elected by the Parliament.
To be nominated 50 signatures of the deputies of the parliament are needed.
Source: Consitution Art 29/A
Verified: 2002/05/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: § 43 (2) For the purposes of the election campaign, state and local government budgetary agencies may make premises and other necessary equipment available to the nominating organisations under equal conditions. In buildings serving as premises for state or local government authorities its is prohibited to run any election campaign, hold meetings, except at settlements with less than five hundred inhabitants, provided that no other community building is available for this purpose.
§ 91 (1) Each nominating organisation that puts forward candidates in elections is entitled to budgetary support in proportion to putting forward candidates. Independent candidates are given budgetary support equal to the support received by the candidates of nominating organisations. The amount of funds that can be spent on budgetary support nationally shall be determined by the Parliament.
§ 93 (1) National public service program providers shall publish the political advertisements of nominating organisations putting forward national lists, regional public service program providers shall publish the political advertisements of nominating organisations putting forward regional lists in their region of reception, local public service program providers shall publish the political advertisements of candidates announcing themselves in single mandate constituencies in their region of reception from the 18th day preceding the elections the latest until the 3rd day before the elections, at least once, free of charge.
(2) On the last day of the election campaign the program providers defined in section (1) shall publish the political advertisements produced by nominating organisations and candidates pursuant to the provisions set forth in section (1), free of charge.
Source: Act LXXXVII on Election of Members of Parliament Campaign Costs, Sections 1-6: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=161284.346589.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments: The funding is set annually in the act of the budget. Disbursement takes place in every quarter of a year.
Source: Source Info:
Act XXXIII/1989 Chapter IV.
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access b . Tax credits d . Other
Comments: Some economic activities of the parties are free from VAT. Act XXXIII/1989 Art 6 (2)
The parties receive some immobiles Act XXXIII/1989 Art 5 (1)
On the media access Act I/1996, Act C/1997
Source:
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
d . Based on number of candidates put forward in present election
Comments:
Source: Act LXXXVII on Election of Members of Parliament Campaign Costs, Sections 3, 4 & 6(4): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=161284.346589.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
a . General party administration b . Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Act XXXIII./1989, Act C/1997 Act I/1996
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Act LXXXVII on Election of Members of Parliament Campaign Costs, Sections 7(1 & 3), & 9(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=161284.346589.
Verified: 2018/07/30
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Act XXXIII/1989 art 4.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received b . Public disclosure of party expenditure e . Ceilings on party election expenses
Comments:
Source: ACT XXXIII/1989 Chapter IV and Chapter V.
Verified: 2002/07/05
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997
Verified: 2002/05/23
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
c . Government department
Comments: The State Audit Office shall inform the Parliament of the utilization of such funds.
Source: Act No. XXXIV of 1989 (www.valasztas.hu/tart/jog/vjt_en.htm)
ACT XXXIII/1989 Chapter V. Act C/1997 Art 91-93, Act XXXVIII/1989
Verified: 2002/05/23
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) d . Categorical (only one mark allowed) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies i . Party symbols in black and white m . Organized alphabetically o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: Two kinds of ballot-papers are in use: one for the individual constituencies and one for the territorial constituencies.
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments: The parlaiment is unicameral.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments: The President is elected by the Parliament.
Source: Constitution 29/A, 29/B
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 188: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
a . Separate ballots for different elections b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted d . Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters e . Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused) f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate l . Counted by hand m . Sorted by party list o . Data fed into computer for calculation q . Copies of results are provided to observers r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results s . Copies of results are provided to party agents
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997. 72. ¤
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
d . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: d)Constituency.
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other) d . National level
Comments: From national lists mandates are obtained on the basis of surplus votes.
Source: Act XXXIV. of 1989
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported b . By telephone c . By fax e . Radio f . By computer g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots d . Voter rolls f . Certificate of result
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997 Art 75
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes e . Accompanied by election officials
Comments:
Source: Act C/1997 Art 75
Decree of the Ministry for Inners 9/1998
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request
Comments: Section 196
Ballot papers/votes shall be counted at least twice. Counting shall be repeated until the result is identical with one of the previous results.
Section 241
(1) Appeals against the decision of a polling station commission determining the polling district results shall lie only together with an appeal against the decision of the election commission determining the election results.
(2) Appeals against the decision of the election commission determining the election results may be submitted with reference to
a) the illegality of the decision by the polling station commission in determining the polling district results; or
b) a violation of the rules of tallying polling district results and determining the election results.
(3) If an appeal submitted pursuant to (2) a) can only be adjudged based on a recount of the votes, the election commission adjudging the appeal or the court adjudging the request for judicial review shall recount the votes. If votes are recounted, the term available for adjudging the appeal or the request for judicial review shall be extended to six days, and the election commission or the court may use the contribution of the members of election offices.
(4) After the polling station commission has determined the polling district results, the votes may only be recounted pursuant to (3).
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 196 & 241: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
a . Closeness of results
Comments: The closeness means 1 % difference between the first and second best candidate.
Source: Act C. of 1997
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . An individual candidate f . Other
Comments: + voters
Source: Act C. of 1997
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body b . Regional Election Management body c . Local Election Management body h . Courts
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
c . weeks:
Comments: 2-3 weeks. The certified results may be announced 2-3 weeks after all legal remedy processes have finished.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: D) parties can not be media owners/providers
Source: Law on media Art. 86. para. 2-3
Verified: 2006/03/28
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments: D) parties can not be media owners/providers
Source: Law on media Art. 86. para. 2-3.
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/03/28
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
b . Government radio
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME017
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
b . Independent regulator
Comments: National Radio and Television Commission
Source: Chapter III of the media law
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies c . Non governmental organisations d . Foreigners g . Other
Comments: A., E. and F. are explicitly prohibited in art. 86. to G: everyone can be broadcaster under the condition of the Media Law, prohibitions are regulated as exceptions
Source: Ch. VI. Of the Media Law (art. 85-114.)
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A journalist is charged with "deliberate breach of a state secret" under Article 221 of the Hungarian Penal Code.
Two right-wing journalists were given a suspended 10 and 8 months jail sentence.
Real problems emerge sometimes with extreme right-wing hate speech cases in media
Source: http://canada.ifex.org/fr/content/view/full/62705/
http://www.nol.hu/cikk/168167/
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments: Media Law and Law on electoral procedure (LEP) (I./1996. and C./1997.)
Source: Media Law and Law on electoral procedure (LEP) (I./1996. and C./1997.)
Verified: 2005/04/03
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: According to Article 11. of media law, during election campaigns the publication of political advertisements in broadcasting shall be governed by the provisions of the relevant Acts on the election of Members of Parliament, members and mayors of local government Corporations, on the election of minority self-governments and social insurance self-governments. Outside election campaigns, political advertisements may be broadcast exclusively in connection with a previously announced referendum.
The referred laws do not contain any special rules about the body regulating the media coverage of elections.
Source:
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: It gives legal instruction for the media in the election period.
Source: http://www.election.hu/nepszav03/hu/06/vf2/47fuz004.htm
Verified: 2005/04/04
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: For the enforcement of reply and correction the Complaints Committee is competent. see above B.4.1.
Source: Media Law, Art. 47-50.
Verified: 2005/04/04
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: as in general
Art. 49 of media law
(1) If a broadcaster provides one-sided information on social issues concerning the population of the signal area, especially if it only offers the opportunity to represent a single or one-sided view on the controversial issue, or if he seriously violates the fundamental principle of the provision of balanced information, then the representative of the undisclosed opinion or the injured party himself (hereinafter: the complainant) may raise an objection to the broadcaster.
(2) The complainant may, in writing, request the broadcaster to publish his opinion of the objected communication with conditions similar to those of the objected communication, within forty-eight hours, or, in the case of a complainant residing (staying or operating) outside the borders of the Republic of Hungary, eight days after the original publication, or in the case of a repeated publication, after the last showing of the objected communication.
(3) The Broadcaster shall make a decision to accept or reject the complaint, within forty-eight hours from the receipt of the complaint. The complainant shall be immediately informed on the decision. Within forty-eight hours of the receipt of such decision, or, in the absence of a decision within six days following the publication of the objected communication - twelve days in the case of a complainant staying abroad -, the complainant may lodge a complaint in writing with the Complaints Committee with accurate identification of the broadcaster and the programme item representing the objected view. A complaint may also be lodged with the Complaints Committee if the broadcaster fails to act upon the complaint in spite of his statement accepting the case for complaint. In this case, the complaint shall be lodged with the Complaints Committee within forty-eight hours following the expiration of the time undertaken for acting upon the complaint.
Source: Art. 49 of media law
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal prosecution b . Administrative sanction c . Other (specify)
Comments: Art. 179, 180 and 181. of the Criminal Code
Article 138 of Act nr. 69 of 1999 on petty offences
ad c: civil liability: defamation under Article 78 and redress under Art. 84. of Act IV of 1959 on the Civil Code
Source: http://www.coe.int/t/e/human_rights/media/5_Documentary_Resources/2_Thematic_documentation/Freedom_of_expression/DH-MM(2003)006%20rev%20Bil%20Legal%20prov%20defamation,%20libel%20&%20insult.asp#P908_84842
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/04
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Article IX (3)
In the interest of the appropriate provision of information as necessary during the electoral campaign period for the formation of democratic public opinion, political advertisements may only be published in media services free of charge, under conditions guaranteeing equal opportunities, laid down in a cardinal Act.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (as Amended in 2013), Article IX(3): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Debates have not been conducted regularly in the last two elections (2014 and 2018). In 2018, there was one televised debate with three candidates, and the incumbent declined to participate in debates.
Source: Hungary Parliamentary Elections 8 April 2018: ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report, p. 20: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/hungary/385959?download=true;
Hungary Parliamentary Elections 6 April 2014: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report, p. 17: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/hungary/121098?download=true.
Verified: 2018/07/30
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 147: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/hungary-act-xxxvi-of-2013-on-electoral-procedure/view
Verified: 2018/07/30
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: The National Electoral Office (not the Commission) instructs the media on the legality and etchical questions of media coverage.
Source: http://www.valasztas.hu/nepszav03/hu/06/vf2/75fuzet.htm
Verified: 2007/01/29
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: There are no significant barriers.
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/04
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
a . Very effective
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/04/04
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1(1): General-Election of Members of Parliament representing each constituency candidate... amount of one million forints, the central budget allocated eligible
7(1c): A general Election of Members of Parliament ethnic minority national government setting list per candidate may spend up to five million forints.
7(2): 2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall be increased annually by the Central Statistical Office from the year following the general election of the Members of the Parliament following the entry into force of this Act, with the CPI established for the year preceding the year in question.
Source: Act LXXXVII on the election of Members of Parliament Act campaign costs: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=161284.346589.
Verified: 2018/07/30
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (4) The people shall exercise its power through its elected representatives or, in exceptional cases, in a direct manner.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, Foundation, art. B(4), & 8: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: (4) A national referendum shall be valid if more than half of all voters have validly voted and is effective if more than half of the voters who are validly voting form the same answer to the formulated question.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 8: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953#foot_8_place.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Parliament may order a national referendum upon the motion of the President of the Republic, the Government or one hundred thousand electors.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 8(1): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In national popular initiatives the provisions of Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure shall apply.
Source: Electoral Law: Act C of 1997 on Electoral Procedure, Chapter XIV, National Popular initiative, §131;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 349(1c): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953#foot_8_place;
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=15995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: An objection to the results may be filed and the Electoral Commission will review and decide on the objection.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 208-242: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:44 "(1) Eligible voters exercise the right to local government through the representative body that they elect and by way of local referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 44
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:44 "(1) Eligible voters exercise the right to local government through the representative body that they elect and by way of local referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 44
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:44 "(1) Eligible voters exercise the right to local government through the representative body that they elect and by way of local referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 44
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:44 "(1) Eligible voters exercise the right to local government through the representative body that they elect and by way of local referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 44
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) C:28/C "(5) National referendum may not be held on the following subjects: a) on laws on the central budget, the execution of the central budget, taxes to the central government and duties, customs tariffs, and on the central government conditions for local taxes, b) obligations set forth in valid international treaties and on the contents of laws prescribing such obligations, c) the provisions of the Constitution on national referenda and popular initiatives, d) personnel and restructuring (reorganization, termination) matters falling under Parliamentary jurisdiction, e) dissolution of the Parliament, f) the Government's program, g) declaration of a state of war, a state of emergency or a state of national crisis, h) use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or within the country, i) dissolution of the representative body of local governments, j) amnesty."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(5)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government c . President d . Legislative majority e . Registered electors
Comments: C:28/C "(1) A national referendum may be held for reaching a decision or for an expression of opinion. Carrying out a national referendum may be mandatory or may be the result of the consideration of a matter. (2) A national referendum shall be held if so initiated by at least 200,000 voting citizens. (3) If a national referendum is mandatory, the result of the successfully held national referendum shall be binding for the Parliament. (4) Based on its consideration, the Parliament may order a national referendum upon the initiative by the President of the Republic, the Government, by one-third of Members of the Parliament or by 100,000 voting citizens."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: C:28/C "(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(6)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments: C:28/C "(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(6)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) When the turnout and approval quorum is fulfilled.
C:28/C "(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(6)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments: b) When the turnout and approval quorum is fulfilled.
C:28/C "(6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(6)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) All matters except those that are excluded by tha law.
C:28/C "(1) A national referendum may be held for reaching a decision or for an expression of opinion. Carrying out a national referendum may be mandatory or may be the result of the consideration of a matter. (2) A national referendum shall be held if so initiated by at least 200,000 voting citizens. (3) If a national referendum is mandatory, the result of the successfully held national referendum shall be binding for the Parliament. (4) Based on its consideration, the Parliament may order a national referendum upon the initiative by the President of the Republic, the Government, by one-third of Members of the Parliament or by 100,000 voting citizens. (5) National referendum may not be held on the following subjects: a) on laws on the central budget, the execution of the central budget, taxes to the central government and duties, customs tariffs, and on the central government conditions for local taxes, b) obligations set forth in valid international treaties and on the contents of laws prescribing such obligations, c) the provisions of the Constitution on national referenda and popular initiatives, d) personnel and restructuring (reorganization, termination) matters falling under Parliamentary jurisdiction, e) dissolution of the Parliament, f) the Government's program, g) declaration of a state of war, a state of emergency or a state of national crisis, h) use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or within the country, i) dissolution of the representative body of local governments, j) amnesty. (6) A national ratification referendum shall be considered successful if more than half of the votes of the citizens voting are valid, but at least more than one-quarter of all eligible voters have given the same answer in the referendum.
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals
Comments: C:28/D "At least 50,000 voting citizens are required for a national popular initiative. A national popular initiative may be for the purpose of forcing the Parliament to place a subject under its jurisdiction on the agenda. The Parliament shall debate the subject defined by the national popular initiative."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/D
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) C:28/C "(5) National referendum may not be held on the following subjects: a) on laws on the central budget, the execution of the central budget, taxes to the central government and duties, customs tariffs, and on the central government conditions for local taxes, b) obligations set forth in valid international treaties and on the contents of laws prescribing such obligations, c) the provisions of the Constitution on national referenda and popular initiatives, d) personnel and restructuring (reorganization, termination) matters falling under Parliamentary jurisdiction, e) dissolution of the Parliament, f) the Government's program, g) declaration of a state of war, a state of emergency or a state of national crisis, h) use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or within the country, i) dissolution of the representative body of local governments, j) amnesty."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(5)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) C:28/C "(5) National referendum may not be held on the following subjects: a) on laws on the central budget, the execution of the central budget, taxes to the central government and duties, customs tariffs, and on the central government conditions for local taxes, b) obligations set forth in valid international treaties and on the contents of laws prescribing such obligations, c) the provisions of the Constitution on national referenda and popular initiatives, d) personnel and restructuring (reorganization, termination) matters falling under Parliamentary jurisdiction, e) dissolution of the Parliament, f) the Government's program, g) declaration of a state of war, a state of emergency or a state of national crisis, h) use of the Hungarian Armed Forces abroad or within the country, i) dissolution of the representative body of local governments, j) amnesty."
Source: The Constitution of the Republic of Hungary, art. 28/C(5)
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/12/01
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: "A national referendum shall be valid if more than half of all voters have cast valid votes, and it shall be conclusive if more than half of those voting validly have given the same answer to a question."
Source: The Fundamental Law of Hungary (Amended to 2013), The State, Article 8(4): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments: National referenda may be held about any matter within Parliament’s responsibilities and competences.
No national referendum may be held on:
a) any matter aimed at the amendment of the Fundamental Law.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, National Referenda, art. 8(2-3): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A local referendum may be held on any matter within the responsibilities and competences of local governments as defined by law.
Source: Constitution: The Fundamental Law of Hungary, The State, Article 31(2): http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=140968.322953.
Verified: 2018/07/30
Voting Operations
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
a . 91-100%
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2001/09/13
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections e . At mobile polling stations
Comments: e) Mobile ballot-boxes for disabled and ill persons by request. By certification in other places than where the voter has his/her place of residence.
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 168: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 258 & 259: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 258, 259, & 269: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2002/05/23
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Voting in advance is not permitted.
Source: Act C. of 1997.
Verified: 2002/07/05
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Voting in advance is not permitted.
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/07/05
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: András Vincze, Ministry of Interior, central data processing, registration and election office, indep(a)konyv.kozig.b-m.hu
Verified: 2002/05/23
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Sections 178-180: http://njt.hu/cgi_bin/njt_doc.cgi?docid=159995.329468.
Verified: 2018/07/30
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