President Tamas Sulyok on Tuesday set April 12 as the date for the country’s next parliamentary elections.

In a statement posted on social media, Sulyok said the right to free elections is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy and encouraged citizens to take part in the vote.

Under Hungarian law, parliamentary elections must be held on a Sunday in April or May and cannot coincide with public holidays or Easter or Pentecost.

The election is taking place amid a changing political landscape compared to previous election cycles, with recent opinion polls indicating close support between the ruling party and opposition forces.

Prime Minister Orban Viktor, who is leading the candidate list of the ruling Fidesz, said on Saturday during his party’s congress that he was ready to serve again as head of government.

Viktor has held the post continuously since 2010, and previously served as prime minister from 1998 to 2002.

Following the announcement, Mr Viktor wrote that April 12 would represent a “safe choice,” echoing the ruling party’s current campaign slogan.

Opposition leader and head of the Tisza Party, Peter Magyar, called on supporters to mobilise ahead of the election.

(Xinhua/NAN)