Vote glitch in Hungary delays expected Fidesz win

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Centre-right Fidesz looked set to oust the Socialists on Sunday after promising jobs and growth to Hungarians frustrated by budget cuts, but an unexpected delay in voting delayed the release of results.

The poll was expected to end at 6 p.m. British time, but the National Election Committee said a few polling stations were kept open because voters were still queuing.

Angry voters blamed poor planning for the election day glitch in Fidesz's near certain path to government after eight years in opposition to the Socialists, which culminated in the country's near financial collapse.

Fidesz called on the election committee chiefs to resign.

"The government screwed up on this as well, it did not manage to handle even this without a scandal. Unfortunately we can say that they have dotted the i after their eight years of governing," news agency MTI quoted vice party chairman Lajos Kosa as telling a news conference in Debrecen, eastern Hungary.

Analysts said the delay may prompt appeals from parties affected, although it was unlikely to affect the overall result.

"Obviously, if anyone considers an appeal on the basis of this, it will be those negatively affected by the outcome, or those on the brink of the (parliamentary) threshold," said Csaba Toth, strategic director at think tank Republikon Institute.

In Budapest's 11th district there were still hundreds of people lining up outside a polling station at 1850 GMT. Many of the delays were caused by people opting to vote at polling stations other than the one nearest home.

"I have been queuing for six hours ... this is outrageous," Zoltan Kiss, architect, 41.

OPINION POLLS

There are no exit polls in Hungary but two opinion polls by Nezopont and pollster Median published at 1700 GMT on Sunday showed Fidesz winning 54-55 percent of party list votes, the Socialists 19-20 percent and far-right Jobbik 17.

This means Jobbik, which has capitalised on public anger over economic hardship and a growing resentment towards a large Roma minority, will likely get into parliament for the first time, along with green liberal LMP.

The second round of elections will be held on April 25 but analysts have said the outcome on Sunday will likely give a very good indication of the extent of the projected Fidesz victory.

They say if Fidesz wins 53-55 percent of party list votes and 120-130 seats in individual constituencies in the first round, it stands a strong chance of securing two-thirds of the seats.

A two-thirds majority would mean Fidesz could push through vital structural reforms through parliament.

Fidesz, which last ruled between 1998 and 2002, has campaigned on cutting taxes, creating jobs and supporting local businesses to boost to Hungary's ailing economy.

Economists say it will need to implement deep reforms to reduce the local government sector and make the health care and education systems more efficient to put Hungary back on a track of sustainable and strong economic growth.

At the Fidesz election headquarters in downtown Budapest, supporters were awaiting the first election data.

"We have been waiting for this for eight years; no, for 22 years, since Fidesz was founded," Magdolna Karbacz, 44, an entrepreneur from the western city of Szekesfehervar said.

The Socialist government led by technocrat Gordon Bajnai since April 2009 made painful budget cuts to rein in the deficit under a deal led by the International Monetary Fund, which provided emergency financing for Hungary amid a crisis in 2008.

The country's economy contracted by 6.3 percent last year, while unemployment is running at 11.4 percent -- the highest since 1994 -- which has further increased public discontent.

Fidesz is led by seasoned politician Viktor Orban, 46, who was the prime minister heading the last Fidesz government and whom many supporters hope to restore Hungary's national pride.

"Fundamentally, this country needs a renewal in its soul and in its morals. This elections can help achieving that if the (new) leaders will represent that," said Peter Buki, 37.

(Additional reporting by Sandor Peto and Marton Dunai; Writing by Krisztina Than; Editing by Alison Williams)

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