Polling stations across Hungary have officially closed after an election process characterized by a historic influx of voters.
Turnout was the highest in history, 77% of voters.
The parliamentary elections, unlike other times, look like a behind-the-scenes battle between Brussels and Moscow.
Although this time the polls are worse than ever before, Viktor Orban, who is aiming for a 5th consecutive term at the head of government, appeared optimistic as he cast his vote at the polling station and told reporters that he was there to win.
Even his rival at the head of the pro-European opposition, Peter Magyar, seemed confident that he would defeat Vladimir Putin's friend after 16 years at the helm of the Hungarian government.
Polls put him at least 8 points ahead. However, media reports suggest that the Hungarian electoral system can produce unexpected results; the combination of head-to-head challenges with proportional lists and votes that weigh more heavily in rural areas than in cities, where more votes are needed for a candidate to win, are interpreted as favoring Viktor Orbán.
In the villages, support is greater for the government that has increased subsidies.