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Hungary choosing new government (Nick Thorpe, 4/09/06, BBC News)

Voting has begun in the first round of Hungary's parliamentary election, the fifth general election since the return of democracy in 1990.

The governing Socialists face a strong challenge from conservatives, while the fate of two smaller parties could have a significant impact on the result. [...]

[D]espite its complexity, the Hungarian political scene has witnessed a growing streamlining over the years. Two major parties have emerged; the Socialists and their arch rivals, the centre-right Fidesz Hungarian Civic Union.

This election has turned into a battle between the very different personalities of their prime ministerial candidate, 44-year-old Ferenc Gyurcsany for the Socialists and 42-year-old Viktor Orban for Fidesz.

The socialist is a former official of the Young Communist League, turned millionaire businessman. The conservative, a former student activist who has marshalled almost the whole centre-right of Hungarian politics behind him.