The second round, which essentially decides who will be able to form a government, will be held April 23.
Solyom did not consult with representatives of parties regarding potential dates, as it is the president's exclusive competence to set the election date. Earlier he said his only consideration was the best interest of the country.
Hungary's constitution stipulates that parliamentary elections be held every four years, in April or May. The election system is a mixture of directly elected individual representatives and a proportional system where mandates are doled out through national and regional lists.
The ruling Socialist Party (MSZP) and center-right opposition Fidesz are neck and neck in opinion polls, with the latest Szonda Ipsos poll showing 28–29% support for both parties among voters with a clear party preference. Passing the 5% hurdle could prove a tough battle for the other two current parliamentary parties, liberal coalition partner SZDSZ and conservative opposition party MDF, as they are currently polling at just 3–4%.
