Election Season

It is election season in Hungary.  We are not Hungarian citizens, so we cannot vote in the election, but it is very interesting to observe many similarities and differences compared to American elections.

Just like in America, there are many candidates running who want to be sure to get their messages out.  Our mailbox is filled with flyers, there are signs along the streets and everyone is talking about their favorite party or candidate.  There are many news reports that are slanted toward one candidate or the other and we also hear of "fake news" about candidates.  Many controversial issues are being discussed and debated.  Yes, it's election season.

There are many differences, too.  Hungary has a parliamentary system, which means there are many parties running candidates for the various seats in Parliament.  The party that wins the most seats chooses the leader of their party to be prime minister.  Another difference is the length of the election campaign.  Here it is only two months, and every candidate must get their name and message out during that time.  Election day is on a Sunday, this year on April 8. 

We are very thankful that Hungary has a stable government and that even though the election is being fiercely fought, we fully expect a smooth transition to the new government.  Please pray with us for God's will to be done in the Hungarian election and that God will be first in this country--and in the United States, too!