A delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) visited Budapest on 30–31 March to evaluate the electoral environment ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 April. Their assessment presents a dual reality.
On the one hand, the electoral process in Hungary appears to be technically well organised. Administrative preparations, institutional engagement, and logistical readiness were generally assessed positively.
However, the PACE delegation’s broader conclusion reflects concern over abuse of state resources and information manipulation. The focus has shifted from procedural readiness to the overall conditions in which political competition is taking place.
Concerns Over Competitive Democratic Conditions
Observers raised questions about whether the electoral environment ensures genuinely fair competition. The reported blurring of boundaries between state institutions and the ruling party (Fidesz) was a recurring theme.
There were also indications of extensive use of state resources in support of one political force, alongside claims of unequal conditions for opposition actors.
Leverage of Anti-Ukrainian Messaging and Information Imbalance
One of the most notable concerns relates to the campaign rhetoric of the Fidesz party (PM Viktor Orban). The delegation highlighted repeated reports of aggressive and misleading messaging, including sustained anti-Ukrainian and anti-European narratives.
“The delegation was particularly concerned by repeated accounts of aggressive and deceptive campaign messaging, including sustained anti-Ukraine and anti-EU propaganda and a crude “war or peace” narrative aimed at stigmatising opponents rather than enabling informed democratic choice,” the report said.
This type of communication, according to the findings, does not contribute to informed voter choice. Instead, it appears to frame political alternatives in simplified and polarising terms.
Impact of Narrative Framing on Public Discourse
The use of “war or peace” rhetoric was specifically mentioned as a tool to stigmatise political opponents. Such framing can limit substantive debate and reduce complex policy discussions to binary choices.
Key issues identified include:
- Persistent anti-Ukraine and anti-EU messaging in campaign communication
- Distorted information space with limited pluralism
- Uneven media coverage across political parties
- Restricted access to independent sources of information for voters
These factors collectively point to an imbalance in how information is distributed and consumed during the campaign period.
Structural and Institutional Challenges
Beyond communication strategies, the delegation identified several structural concerns that may affect the integrity of the elections.
Reports included allegations of voter intimidation and vote-buying, as well as concerns about the misuse of public resources, data, and institutions for partisan purposes.
“The delegation expresses particular concern over out-of-country voting. Interlocutors underlined the different treatment of Hungarian citizens voting abroad, depending on their status and place of residence, raising serious questions about equality of suffrage. The delegation was also struck by concerns over the lack of transparency in the handling and verification of these votes,” the PACE report said.
Oversight, Judiciary, and Electoral Transparency
The independence of institutions responsible for overseeing elections was also questioned. In particular, concerns were raised about the judiciary’s role in resolving electoral disputes and the effectiveness of legal remedies.
Additional issues include:
- Prolonged state of emergency influencing the political environment
- Lack of transparency in out-of-country voting procedures
- Unequal treatment of voters abroad depending on status
- Limited safeguards ensuring equal scrutiny of all votes
These elements suggest that the credibility of the electoral process depends not only on election day procedures but also on the broader governance framework.
Media Freedom and Civil Society Under Pressure
The delegation also pointed to a shrinking space for independent journalism and civil society. This trend may have implications for accountability and public oversight.
A media landscape with limited pluralism reduces the diversity of viewpoints available to voters. At the same time, pressure on watchdog organisations can weaken mechanisms that typically ensure transparency.
Broader Implications for Democratic Standards
While PACE does not take positions in political competition, it emphasises adherence to democratic standards. According to the delegation, a credible election requires more than technical preparation.
It depends on fair campaigning conditions, equal treatment of voters, transparent vote handling, and access to diverse and independent information sources.
The situation in Hungary, as described in the pre-election assessment, raises questions about how these standards are being applied in practice.
The toxic situation around the Hungary elections highlights the importance of verified information and balanced analysis in tense political environments in times of geopolitical tensions and the Russia-Ukraine war.
