“For many in Hungary, Sunday’s vote will be a test of how deeply Orbán’s political system is embedded, after the rightwing populist leader spent more than a decade working to transform Hungary into a “petri dish for illiberalism”, rewriting election laws to his party’s benefit, manoeuvring to put loyalists in control of an estimated 80% of the country’s media and clamping down on dissenting voices.”

“Questions have swirled over Orbán’s government and its relationship with Moscow amid allegations of Russian interference in the election, as well as audio that appeared to suggest a minister had shared confidential EU information with the Russian government.”

“Orbán’s government has cited the leaks – including a transcript in which Orbán reportedly told Vladimir Putin “I am at your service” – as evidence of foreign interference.”

“If Magyar wins, many will be watching to see whether he gains a simple majority or a super-majority – a win of least two-thirds of the 199 seats in Hungary’s parliament.”

“A super-majority would allow Magyar and his party to amend the constitution and laws, allowing them to reverse some of the changes made by Orbán and Fidesz and potentially unlock EU funds.”

“Fidesz’s transformation of Hungary’s electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts will require Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbán’s party to achieve even a simple majority.”

“At a Friday night rally for Orbán in Székesfehérvár, a city of about 100,000 people in central Hungary, hundreds of people turned up, eagerly waving flags and cheering, as cameras panned over the city where the first kings of Hungary were crowned and buried.”

“Sunday was set to be the fifth time since 2010 she had voted for Orbán.”