With over two-thirds of ballots counted in Honduras, the election remains highly contested. Former vice-president Salvador Nasralla has a slight edge over the conservative candidate Nasry Asfura, who continues to maintain his party’s claim of a potential victory despite trailing.
In Washington, President Donald Trump is closely watching the electoral outcome, having expressed direct support for Asfura. His administration's influence on the election has drawn ire from various sectors in Honduras, with analysts suggesting that it undermines the nation's autonomy.
Trump has hinted at potential withholding of financial aid and made unproven allegations of election fraud, leading many to claim his involvement mirrors the tactics of the U.S. during the Cold War. Political analyst Josue Murillo stated, No government should come here and treat us as a banana republic. That is a lack of respect.
As the electoral process unfolds, one notable figure emerges: ex-President Juan Orlando Hernandez, recently pardoned by Trump after serving a year in a U.S. prison for drug trafficking. His release coincided with Trump's encouragement to voters in Honduras to select Asfura, casting shadows of doubt over the electoral process.
While some Hondurans view Hernandez as a figure of unjust persecution, Trump's endorsements and assertions that Hernandez was a victim of a setup have ignited controversy, complicating the political landscape for both candidates.
As the vote counting proceeds, the implications of Trump's actions may soon become clearer, determining if his chosen candidate secures a foothold in Honduras or if Nasralla's narrow lead will prevail.
