tight Race adn External Influence Mark Honduran Election Count
The aftermath of Honduras’s 2021 presidential election saw a tense count placing conservative candidates Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla in a close contest, following an election where over six million Hondurans also voted for deputies, mayors, and vice-mayors. Asfura had previously been defeated by current President Xiomara Castro in a prior attempt to win the presidency, while Nasralla was seeking the office for a fourth time.
The initial report from the National Electoral Council (CNE) was delayed by over an hour and a half, and nearly five hours after polls closed, prompting Asfura to publicly urge CNE advisory members to fulfill their duty and announce the results “for the good of democracy.” Luis Zelaya, also a candidate, echoed concerns about potential irregularities, having previously denounced the possibility of fraud during the campaign, and announced plans to address the preliminary CNE results at a press conference.
The CNE has up to 30 days to make the official declaration of the election results. the election was observed by over 4,000 national and international observers, including representatives from the European Union, the Organization of American States (OAS), and members of the United States Congress.
Adding a layer of complexity to the election was the unexpected intervention of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Days before the vote, trump publicly endorsed Asfura, a candidate aligned with the political party of former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States after being convicted of drug and weapons trafficking.
Trump described Asfura as “the only true friend of freedom in Honduras” and pledged to work with him to combat “narco-communists” and provide aid. He also leveled accusations against other candidates, linking Zelaya to Fidel Castro and labeling Nasralla as “practically communist” and alleging involvement in deceptive practices. Trump further stated he woudl consider pardoning Hernández, claiming the former president was “treated very harshly and unfairly” and that the case was politically motivated, responding to concerns raised by Hondurans.
The election’s impact was felt personally by Honduran citizens. Rubén Darío Molina, a 55-year-old security guard, explained he was unable to vote due to work commitments. He expressed disillusionment with politicians,citing his own experience of being deported from the United States after 20 years,separating him from his American citizen wife and son.
Conversely, Carlos Alberto Figueroa, a 71-year-old retiree, voiced support for the continuation of President castro’s policies, hoping for continued “development, a better economy and security.”
