Orbán's 16-year rule on the line as Hungarians vote in key election

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

Polls opened at 6 a.m. Sunday and are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Orbán is the European Union’s longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists.

Orbán is known for his far-right populist stance and has faced criticism for undermining democracy and media freedom.

His main challenger Péter Magyar leads the center-right Tisza party and has gained traction by focusing on issues like healthcare and corruption.

Magyar calls the election a referendum on Hungary’s future direction.

The election is being closely watched across Europe with concerns about external meddling and internal fraud.