1985 Hungarian parliamentary election

The elections took place under new rules enacted in 1983 that allowed for wider participation in the electoral process.^[2] In addition to the 352 single-member constituencies, a further 35 MPs were elected unopposed via a national list. According to Politburo member Mihaly Korom, this was necessary in order to ensure the "representation of leading personalities" whose activities extended "beyond the boundaries of their electoral districts."^[4][5] Voters who were away from home on election day could only vote on the national list, which had around 160,000 extra voters compared to the single-member constituencies.^[4]

There had to be at least two candidates in the single-member constituencies, which was achieved everywhere except Keszthely, where one candidate withdrew his nomination. A by-election was later held for the seat in the spring of 1986.^[3] In 54 constituencies, mainly in urban areas, at least three and as many as four candidates appeared on the ballot.^[6]

The parliamentary term was determined by the last years of the Cold War, the impending defeat of the Soviet Union created a gradual opening towards a market economy. Finally, during the 1989 revolution, the political changes also took place. The seventh and final five-year plan was adopted in 1985, the economic goals of which were determined by the 13th Congress of the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party.^[9] The education system was modernized and schools were given greater autonomy. ^[10] The ownership, use, circulation and protection of agricultural land were comprehensively regulated. ^[11] VAT was introduced ^[12] and personal income tax.^[13] The power of the Presidential Council were limited and the primary legislative role of the National Assembly was strengthened.^[14] The Kft, Rt, Bt and Kkt corporate forms were created^[15] and the corporate profit tax was introduced.^[16] FDI was made possible.^[17]

End of communism in Hungary

The establishment of associations, political parties and civil society organisations became free,^[18] the holding of peaceful demonstrations, marches and events,^[19] unrestricted travel and emigration abroad.^[20] Legal strikes became possible^[21] and the Workers' Militia was abolished.^[22] The Third Republic,^[23] the Constitutional Court,^[24] the State Audit Office (Hungary) [hu]^[25] was established. The possibility of reviewing the judgments related to the 1956 revolution,^[26] and the possibility of referendums^[27] was created. The Presidential Council was abolished, replaced by the President of the Republic, who is elected by the National Assembly by secret ballot.^[28] The system of parliamentary elections was changed: it became free and multi-party, the number of single-member district was reduced, and the multi-member constituencies and the national compensation list were introduced.^[29]