WIth record turnout, Hungarians chose to end the 16-year rule of the prime minister who was a self-proclaimed champion of illiberal Christian democracy.

Several polls suggest the prime minister faces a tough challenge from Péter Magyar in a pivotal parliamentary election.

The result is a stunning turn for a politician who has ruled as prime minister for 16 years.

Hungarians are voting in a crucial election that could end populist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule

Peter Magyar's center-right Tisza party is projected to win Hungary's parliamentary election, bringing an end to 16 years of authoritarian rule under Viktor Orbán, a far-right ally of both President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Opinion polls published just after voting was due to end suggested challenger Péter Magyar could oust the prime minister.

Veteran Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded defeat in a parliamentary election and congratulated Péter Magyar, leader of the opposition party Tisza and a former member of the ruling Fidesz party.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly ‌weary of Orban, 62, after three years of ‌economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.