2000 Hungarian presidential election

2000 Hungarian presidential election

5–6 June 2000

Nominee Ferenc Mádl Party Independent Alliance Fidesz-FKGP-MDF Electoral vote 243 Percentage 62.95%

President before election Árpád Göncz SZDSZ Elected President Ferenc Mádl Independent

Background

The term for the post of president in Hungary is 5 years. After the 2 consecutive terms of the previous office holder, Árpád Göncz, the succession was somewhat problematic. Though the coalition partner in the first cabinet of Viktor Orbán had its own candidate, party chairman József Torgyán, the leading party wanted another person. In the end Torgyán withdrew from the process.

The voting process

An indirect election was held on 5–6 June 2000. The only candidate was legal scholar Ferenc Mádl, who was nominated formally by FKGP, but with the support of governing Fidesz and MDF parties. The opposition parties did not nominate any candidates.

After three rounds, Mádl was elected President of Hungary, taking the office on 4 August in that year.

First and second rounds

In the first two rounds, two-thirds majority requirement needed to elect the president, according to the Constitution.

Hungarian Presidential elections, 2000
(first round, 5 June 2000)

Candidate	Party	Votes	%
In favor of Ferenc Mádl	Independent (Fidesz-FKGP-MDF)	251	65.03
Against Mádl	–	105	27.2
Did not vote		23	5.96
Invalid votes		7	1.81
Total votes		363	94.04
Total seats		386	100.00

Hungarian Presidential elections, 2000
(second round, 6 June 2000)

Candidate	Party	Votes	%
In favor of Ferenc Mádl	Independent (Fidesz-FKGP-MDF)	238	61.66
Against Mádl	–	103	26.68
Did not vote		31	8.03
Invalid votes		14	3.63
Total votes		355	91.97
Total seats		386	100.00

Results

Hungarian Presidential elections, 2000
(third round, 6 June 2000)

Candidate	Party	Votes	%
In favor of Ferenc Mádl	Independent (Fidesz-FKGP-MDF)	243	62.95
Against Mádl	–	96	24.87
Did not vote		35	9.07
Invalid votes		12	3.11
Total votes		351	90.93
Total seats		386	100.00