Lili Karácsony

On April 3, 2022 Hungary will be holding its national parliamentary elections for the first time since the outburst of the COVID19 pandemic. Organizing elections and meeting the usual requirements of democratic elections in most countries cause significant difficulties for governments, as it is indispensable to bear in mind the citizens health and at the same time create a functioning system for electing the democratic leaders. After two years of living with the epidemy it is still one of the most determinative factors that require special attention from the legislator.

According to the provisions of Hungary's Fundamental Law (Constitution), Hungarian citizens of legal age living within or beyond the borders of Hungary may cast their votes in parliamentary elections, thereby shaping together the future of Hungary and the Hungarian nation. The procedure for them to cast a vote depends on whether they have a domicile or registered residence in Hungary or not. If they are residing in the foreign country, they have the opportunity to vote by post, or go to the Hungarian foreign representation of the country, and cast their vote in person. However those who have Hungarian address, can only cast their votes at the listed foreign diplomatic missions of Hungary.

The webpage of the National Election Office clearly states that the COVID19 pandemic or armed conflicts can affect or make it impossible to hold elections at certain representations. Embassies and consulates are listed on the webpage, and if any country’s epidemiological restrictions and security conditions change, they can be removed from the list. That would obviously make it inaccessible for Hungarians in the country to vote in person, and as it is mentioned above, according to the Hungarian electoral act, for many of them this is the only possibility to cast a vote.

Even at the beginning of 2022, the National Elections Office drew attention to the facts that in many countries of the world, (especially China) the epidemiological situation is still critical. Even at the end of January, China enacted rigorous regulation regarding quarantine obligations and package delivery. If the elections were held at that point, it would have made it impossible for citizens to practice their right to vote. Due to the extraordinary situation, the National Election Office advised citizens concerned to opt for an other form of voting, however as we saw it, for Hungarian citizens with registered residence, this is the only allowed form of voting.

It would be indispensable enable all voters to practice their rights to suffrage. This fundamental constitutional right entitles all voters regardless of their residence, and has an outstanding significance when it comes to the tenet of equal suffrage.

March 2022

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The views expressed above belong to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centre for Social Sciences.