Ruptly
"Hungarian opposition candidate and leader of the Tisza party Peter Magyar said on Sunday that the country faces a defining moment as voters head to the polls in a high-stakes election, with early turnout figures already breaking records. Footage shows voters, as well as Magyar, entering polling stations in Budapest and casting ballots before speaking to the press. "A crucial election is taking place in Hungary. We are choosing between East and West […] corruption and a clean public life […] A cost-of-living crisis and a decent livelihood," he said, adding. "The number of votes cast in the first hour has broken all previous records […] The fate of Hungary will be decided today for a very long time." Magyar also urged citizens to participate, predicting a historically high turnout. "I ask everyone to exercise their right to vote! A record turnout is expected in the Hungarian elections. So far, the turnout was maybe around 71 per cent; now it is expected to be higher. Every vote counts,” the politician said. Moreover, he raised concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, saying his party had received dozens of reports of suspected violations. "So far, about sixty reports have arrived at the Tisza election centre regarding various minor and major electoral frauds," Magyar said, urging voters to report incidents such as "busing voters, signs of chain voting, or if you see people trying to bribe, pay off, or perhaps threaten others." Magyar accused the ruling establishment of preparing to challenge the results through staged incidents. "We know well that the state party […] Will do anything to keep its power," he said, warning of 'false flag operations' aimed at disrupting polling stations and potentially annulling results. Magyar finally stressed that any manipulation of the vote would carry legal consequences. "Maybe these frauds had no consequences in 2018 or 2022, but now, after the change of regime, once the Hungarian justice system and investigative authorities regain their independence." According to reports, most polls favour Magyar, who formed a grassroots party, Tisza, after splitting from the ruling Fidesz party. Magyar's Tisza faces off with challenger Viktor Orban's Fidesz following a campaign that has been dominated by allegations of election meddling. Orban's government accused the EU and Ukraine of repeated interference in an attempt to install a more pro-Brussels and pro-Kiev administration, following rows over energy and funding. Budapest has alleged that Kiev funded the opposition with cash and gold bars seized in recent months - claims the Tisza Party has denied."
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