Magyar, head of the centre-right opposition Tisza party, cast his ballot in Budapest and told reporters he expected record turnout, with some constituencies potentially decided by just a handful of votes.
"No one can seriously believe that Tisza will not win these elections," he said, as cited by Poland's PAP news agency, adding that the only question was whether his party would secure a simple majority in the 199-seat parliament or the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution.
He urged voters to report any irregularities and said he would accept the results provided there was no significant fraud affecting the outcome.
"Election fraud is a very serious crime," he added.
Magyar said a new government would prioritise anti-corruption measures and seek to strengthen Hungary's position in the EU and NATO, unlock frozen EU funds, and improve relations with Poland, the PAP news agency reported.
He also called for reinvigorating the four-nation regional Visegrad Group comprising Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
'East or West'
In a social media post, Magyar described the vote as decisive for Hungary's future, framing it as a choice between "East or West, a failing state or a functioning one, corruption or a fair public sphere."
Orban, who is seeking to retain power, also voted in Budapest and said he had come "to win."
“I will respect the decision of the Hungarian people," Orban said, adding that Hungary's electoral system was "the safest in Europe."
He said he would also accept the outcome if Magyar’s party prevails.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (right) and his wife Aniko Levai (left) cast their ballots in the country's general election at a polling station in Budapest on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Photo: EPA/AKOS KAISER/HUNGARIAN PM GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION via PAP