When it comes to European politics, Hungary is somewhat of an outlier. And, not just because it’s set to impose the world’s first internet tax (paywall).
Earlier this month, Latvians headed to the polls. The election registered a turnout of 58.8% - the lowest since the restoration of independence.
In country after country, voter turnout across central and eastern Europe has noticeably collapsed since the 1990s.
A relatively similar trend across all the analysed countries.
With a lower starting point, Hungary is the one exception to the general pattern, despite ongoing drop in turnout in elections held after 2000.
The reasons for this curious trend are unclear. But, according to Robert Manchin, former managing director of Gallup Europe, the trend is likely to be driven by changes in mobilisation techniques adopted by the country’s main parties, and the emotional nature of electoral issues - such as identity - and urgency instilled in close races by both the Socialists and FIDESZ.
Mr. Manchin also points out that both parties are known to literally bus voters to polling stations on election day.
None of these factors alone would seem unique to Hungary, but the extent and combination of all these elements taken together, may well explain the curious exception that is Hungary’s voter turnout.
Max Miller contributed research for this article. The source for all voter turnout data used in the piece is IDEA.
