Elections in Post- Communist Eastern Europe: A Study of Hungary
1990 election: Victory of Right — Centre forces
It was a turning point in the political and electoral history of post — communist Hungary. This was the first completely free and competitive elections in the country as it was held after the end of one party Communist rule. It was a time when political transition was very fast in the communist world. In Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev was advocating Openness and Restructuring and entire Eastern Europe was waiting for such changes in their respective countries. Hungarians had changed even the name of the country in 1989 when in place of People’s Republic of Hungary it became Republic of Hungary. Hungarian political forces had already undergone a process of debate and discussion in the form of a national roundtable during the transitional government headed by Miklos Nemeth who became prime minister 1988. The election of parliament (National Assembly) was held in early 1990 in two phases. Turnout of voters was 65.11and 45.54 in first and second phases of elections respectively. Major political parties in this elections were Hungarian Democratic Forum, the Hungarian Socialist Party led by Gyula Horn, the liberal Alliance of Free Democrats headed by Mr. Gabor Kuncze, the centrist League of Young Democrats led by Mr. Viktor Orban, the Independent Smallholders’ Party and the Christian Democratic People’s Party. Out of 386 seats of the parliament MDF secured 164 seats and formed the government in alliance with Christian Democratic People’s Party and Independent Small Holders’ Party. The Nationalist Democratic Forum (MDF) appeared as single largest party in the parliament and The Hungarian Socialist Party (former Communist party), suffered a crushing defeat. MDF leader Jozsef Antall became prime minister. It was the first government since the end of World War II with no Communist participation. The victory of Hungarian Democratic Forum and their alliance partners was the result of the discontentment against the old communist regime and growing demand for democracy and multi-party system.
1994 Election: Revival of Left — Centre
In this election the Hungarian Socialist Party (the former Communist Party) returned to power under the leadership of Gyula Horn who became the Prime Minister. They won 209 seats out of total 386. Hungarian Democratic Forum could win only 38 seats where as it had won 165 seats in 1990 election. The Hungarian Socialist Party won enough seats to form the government but they decided to form a coalition with the Free Democrats due to which they were able to secure a two-thirds majority. This election was quite different than the previous election of 1990. During 1990 election people wanted restructuring and reform in economic and political system as they believed communist rule was the root cause of all the ills in the society. However, in 1994 election people’s mood changed and the reform wing of the former Communist Party — the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) came to power with full majority. This time people were not satisfied with the method of the ruling parties to deal with new challenges of using western investment. Many leaders of ruling coalition and management of Hungarian companies proved to be inefficient and unaccountable. The period between 1990 and 1994 elections also witnessed rising unemployment, high inflation rate and high taxes. All these created a suitable background for the revival of old, experienced and pro- reform group of former ruling party — the Hungarian Socialist Party.
1998 and 2002 Elections: Right and Left One after Another
Elections were held in May 1998 in which Hungarian Socialist Party received highest number of votes but it could not come to power. Instead, a new Centre — Right coalition of liberal conservative FIDESZ, Independent Small Holders Party and Hungarian Democratic Forum came to form the government. Leader of FIDESZ — Viktor Orban became the Prime Minister on July 8 1998. During his term from 1998 -2002 politics of Hungary witnessed economic issues and accession to EU and NATO. Orban and his organization attacked on corruption under socialist government and proclaimed themselves as forces of youth with right perspective of market and national interest.
Inspite of all these Victor Orban who had become Prime Minister at the age of 35 could not win the next election which was held in April 2002. In this election again opposition coalition of socialist and liberals defeated the ruling coalition of Prime Minister Victor Orban. They won 198 out of total 386 seats of the National Assembly under the leadership of Peter Medgyessy. Orban’s FIDESZ — Hungarian Civic Party secured only 188 seats. In this election the socialist criticized the so called nationalist agenda adopted by Victor Orban which according to them harmed the image of Hungary at international level. Although, FIDESZ remained the largest party in the parliament but the Hungarian Socialist Party formed the government in coalition with the Alliance of Free Democrats. Peter Medgyessy became the Prime Minister. He led Hungary in the direction of the membership of European Union. Later in 2004 he resigned from the post of Prime Minister and was succeeded by Ferenc Gyurcsany (leader of Hungarian Socialist Party-MSZP) due to conflict with the Socialist Party’s coalition partner.
2006 Election: Socialist — Liberals remained in Power
This was the first Parliamentary election in Hungary after its accession to the European Union in 2004. In this election also the ruling socialist government came to power. Elections were held in the month of April 2006. The Hungarian Socialist Party won 186 out of 386 seats of the National Assembly. It again formed a coalition government with the Alliance of Free Democrats. In this election central point of discussion was around the economic reforms required for the adoption of Euro as the national currency. Socialist leader Ferenc Gyurcsancy declared his policy of promoting free market and foreign investment. However, FIDESZ leader Mr. Orban and his coalition opposed this policy and advocated the importance of protecting national industries.
2010 to 2022 Elections: Victor Orban and FIDESZ in Power
There have been four general elections since 2010 (2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) and in all these elections, FIDESZ (Hungarian Civic Alliance) and its leader Victor Orban have been winning and ruling Hungary in alliance with Christian Democratic People’s Party (KDNP). During the tenure of this alliance Hungary has seen many changes including formation of new constitution in 2011 and serious constitutional amendments in 2013. It has been said that during these years the Prime Minister and his government took many steps which were criticized as responsible factors for reduction of democratic values, freedom of press and independence of judiciary. On one side many opponents of the ruling FIDESZ believe that under the present government Hungary’s democracy is developing some autocratic elements but on the other side people have not shown any support to alternative governments. Moreover, left in Hungary are not able to improve in near future.
