Hungary votes in general election as Viktor Orbán seeks fourth term

Russia's invasion of Ukraine looms over contest in which opposition coalition aims to dislodge ruling Fidesz party

Voting has begun in Hungary in a general election that has been overshadowed by the war in neighbouring Ukraine, with the country's prime minister, Viktor Orban, seeking a fourth successive term while facing accusations of siding with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

In plummeting temperatures and a mixture of rain and snow that could affect turnout, a steady stream of voters cast ballots after polling stations opened at 6am in an election that has triggered concerns of possible fraud and the outcome of which could determine Hungary's direction at a pivotal moment in international affairs.