(Vatican Radio) Hungarians were expected to return Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to
power for another four years in a parliamentary election Sunday that was also expected
to boost support for the far-right Jobbik party.
Sunday's ballot was the first
under a new constitution that reduces parliament from 386 to just 199 seats, amid
international concerns over the country's future.
A confident looking prime
minister arrived at a primary school-turned-polling station in Hungary's capital Budapest
to cast his ballot with many press photographers looking over his shoulders.
Dubbed
'Viktator' by opponents, the 50-year-old populist Viktor Orbán had rows with the European
Union and the United States over his perceived autocratic style.
After his
Fidesz party won a two-thirds majority in parliament four years ago, he was able to
pass a controversial constitution and other legislation that critics said threatened
media freedom and the independence of the judiciary, Central Bank and even churches.
INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS
International investors also condemned heavy taxes
imposed on Hungary's mostly foreign-owned banks, telecoms and energy firms, and increased
state control over the energy sector.
Yet he remained popular with many Hungarians
for stabilising public finances and cutting personal income taxes as well as households'
electricity and natural gas bills.
Opinion polls showed his Fidesz party on
course for a landslide victory. But with more painful reforms expected, Orbán said
every eligible voter should decide on Hungary's political future.
"I would
like to see high turnout because that would allow stronger governing," Orbán said
after casting his ballot. "I hope many voters will participate and whatever government
is formed, it can start working ...with strong public support."
FRACTURED
OPPOSITION
Orbán faced a challenge from the left-wing coalition Unity, which
sometimes appeared united only in name.
It has been been rocked by political
infighting and a corruption scandal.
Additionally the far-right Jobbik party,
known for its anti-Semitic and anti-Roma rhetoric, was expected to become the second
or third largest political force.