Viktor Orban's Fidesz government in Hungary stands accused of mass voter intimidation in a film released on Thursday ahead of the April 12 parliamentary elections, where the ruling party is losing ground in opinion polls.
The documentary film, The Price of the Vote, which streamed at a Budapest cinema and on YouTube, is the result of a six-month investigation by independent filmmakers and reporters.
In the film, testimonies from voters, mayors, former election officials, and a police officer allege that voters are being offered large sums of money and even illegal drugs to influence their votes toward Fidesz.
According to the film, 53 of Hungary's 106 constituencies are targeted, potentially affecting up to 600,000 voters, which could comprise 10% of the expected turnout of six million.
Fidesz's long-standing dominance, having ruled for 16 years, is currently challenged by Peter Magyar's opposition party Tisza, which is polling ahead.
The documentary suggests that local leaders exercise tight control over community resources, including work, firewood, and public transportation to the polling stations, thereby coercing votes.
Several individuals interviewed in the film claimed that their livelihoods are at stake, with some expressing fears over the possible loss of custody of their children if they oppose Fidesz candidates.
Filmmaker Aron Timar noted that while it initially appeared that vote-buying was the main issue, the real concern lies in the dependency and vulnerabilities exploited by local officials.
The film's release comes amid allegations from Fidesz officials about foreign interference aimed at undermining their electoral process. With only weeks left until the polls, the situation remains tense, deeply affecting the landscape of the upcoming election.
