How did the Soviet Union handle Hungarian free elections?

In 1956, during the Hungarian Revolution, the Soviet Union initially withdrew its forces and allowed for a brief period of political liberalization, including free elections. However, when reformist leaders sought to establish a more independent government, the USSR intervened militarily in November 1956, crushing the revolution and reasserting control. This intervention effectively ended any hopes for genuine democratic elections in Hungary, as the Soviet-backed regime reinstated authoritarian rule. The events highlighted the USSR's commitment to maintaining its sphere of influence in Eastern Europe at the expense of national self-determination.