In most remaining constituencies the race is between the two main parties, the governing Socialists and the centre-right opposition party, Fidesz.

The Socialists and their allies hope to become the first government re-elected since democracy was restored in 1990.

Fidesz, their bitter rivals, believe they can overturn the slight advantage the governing parties hold from the first round two weeks ago.

The government has put continuity at the centre of its campaign.

New figures show the country's budget deficit running at 8 percent of GDP, the largest deficit in the European Union.

Most analysts predict that that will prevent Hungary introducing the euro currency in 2010 as planned.

The election result will depend on the ability of both sides to rally their supporters and to attract new voters from those who did not cast their ballots two weeks ago.

BBC