[1] The Patriotic People's Front, dominated by the Communist Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party, was the only organisation allowed to contest the election.

All prospective candidates had to accept the Front's program in order to be eligible.

[3] 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.