Most Hungarians Shun Polls, but Voters Approve EU Membership

Hungarians voted overwhelmingly Saturday to join the European Union, according to results in a referendum that drew a low turnout.

Eighty-four percent of voters said yes to membership, the National Election Office announced after counting 99% of the ballots.

Final results were expected to be announced today.

Analysts said a lukewarm, one-sided campaign probably contributed to turnout of only 46%.

Others said the opposition parties’ halfhearted campaign in favor of membership was probably also a factor.

Opposition parties welcomed membership, but said the government needed to offer assistance for Hungarians likely to be hurt by economic competition from other EU members.

“We have to work to ensure that everyone wins with Hungary’s EU membership,” said former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. “We need big deeds, not big words.”

“I am disappointed in the low turnout, which I expected to be higher because of the historic significance of the vote,” said Gabor Kuncze, leader of the Free Democrats, partners of the Socialist Party in the government coalition.

Officials said they would continue to promote the EU until the expected May 2004 accession.

Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy said before voting Saturday morning that “in 10 years, Hungary will be a very nice country, much richer, more peaceful.”