Fidesz-KDNP’s proposal for new electoral procedures was submitted to Parliament on Tuesday, 18 September. If Parliament votes in favour of the proposal, the law will be sent to the Constitutional Court for preliminary norm control, to make sure it is in line with the country’s Fundamental Law, before the President of Hungary signs it.

The proposal includes the introduction of voter pre-registration for elections, following international examples, such as the United Kingdom. Hungarians of voting age will be able to register until 15 days prior to election day and it will be valid for the next three elections (general, local and European Parliament elections). After the parliamentary elections registration will be reopened. If someone reaches the age of 18 between two registration periods, they will have the opportunity to pre-register after reaching the age of 17. Registration is possible electronically, by post and in person at public notaries. Those failing to register for the first election will have the opportunity to do so after the first vote.

According to the proposal, the system of nomination slips would be replaced by supporting signatures. In future, candidates would need 200 signatures to run in the general elections and 5000 signatures for the European Parliament elections. The signatures will be checked by the National Election Centre, also established by this proposal. One voter can support several candidates as opposed to the current system, in which support is restricted to only one candidate.

Braille aids would be made available for the visually impaired, helping them to vote in elections without assistance, and at least one polling station in every electoral district would be fully accessible to the disabled.

With these changes, Fidesz hopes to encourage more voters to exercise their democratic right to vote and enable Hungarians living or working abroad (est. 500-800 000 people) to participate in the elections.

(Prime Minister’s Office)