Election Poll Hungary: Results from ZRI Závecz Research on March 13, 2020

According to Republikon Intézet data, 4 parties are projected to surpass the electoral threshold and enter Hungary's parliament: TISZA with 98 representatives, Fidesz/KDNP with 71 representatives, Mi Hazánk with 17 representatives and Magyar Kétfarkú Kutya Párt with 13 representatives.

Hungary's Parliament, the Országgyűlés, comprises 199 members elected through a mixed-member electoral system. Of these, 106 representatives are directly elected in single-member constituencies by simple majority. The remaining 93 seats are allocated via national party-lists under a proportional representation framework. A distinctive feature is the 'compensatory vote' system: votes cast for losing candidates in constituencies, along with surplus votes for winning candidates, are reallocated to their respective national party lists. This mechanism can significantly bolster the representation of the strongest parties in Parliament.

To enter the Hungarian Parliament via the national list, individual parties must clear a 5% electoral threshold. This threshold rises to 10% for two-party alliances and 15% for coalitions of three or more parties. This regulation aims to prevent parliamentary fragmentation. The 106 directly elected seats in single-member constituencies are exempt from this threshold, as candidates secure victory by simple majority. Additionally, recognized national minorities can gain parliamentary representation through special preferential mandates, subject to reduced vote thresholds.

Hungary's electoral system frequently facilitates the formation of governments by a single party or a cohesive bloc, often securing a stable absolute or even a two-thirds constitutional majority. The Parliament elects the Prime Minister, nominated by the President of the Republic. Given the Prime Minister's robust position and often clear majorities, traditional, protracted coalition negotiations play a less significant role in Hungarian politics compared to many other European nations. While the government is accountable to Parliament, it can only be removed through a constructive vote of no confidence.