site.btaUPDATED Hungarian PM Orban Accuses Opposition of Plotting to Disrupt Elections

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accused his opponents of organizing efforts to interfere with the electoral process and undermine the outcome of the Sunday vote.

In a Facebook post, Orban said the opposition was "conspiring" and engaging in "organized attempts to exploit chaos, pressure and international demonization to call into question the choice of the Hungarian people".

He further alleged that his rivals were cooperating with foreign intelligence services and would "stop at nothing" to seize power. Orban also condemned what he described as threats of violence against his supporters, "fabricated allegations of election fraud" and "pre-organized demonstrations" ahead of the vote count.

Hungary will hold parliamentary elections on April 12. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, is seeking a fifth term. 

According to polls, Orban's party is trailing the opposition and is facing a tight election on Sunday. Surveys indicate a clear lead for the TISZA party led by Peter Magyar over Orban's Fidesz.

Magyar, a former Fidesz member who left the party more than two years ago, has pledged to break with what he describes as Orban's semi-authoritarian style of governance.

Orban has maintained close ties with Russia and President Vladimir Putin, and has repeatedly used Hungary's veto power within the EU to block aid to Ukraine.

In response, Magyar urged supporters to remain calm and avoid provocations, saying millions of Hungarians who once backed Orban now feel "disappointed and betrayed". He called on the prime minister to accept the election result "with composure and dignity".