TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — As the sun set on Sunday evening, poll workers began the intricate task of counting votes in Honduras, where citizens were set to choose a new president. This pivotal moment came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump threw his weight behind a candidate, further complicating an already tense electoral atmosphere.
To accommodate those still in line, voting hours were extended by an hour in various locations, and initial reports from electoral authorities indicated a smooth process without major disruptions.
In this election, citizens were not only selecting a new president but also voting for a new Congress and filling numerous local positions.
A Triumvirate of Candidates in a Tight Race
Among the five candidates on the ballot, three have emerged as frontrunners, each vying for the presidency:
1. **Rixi Moncada** – The current finance and defense secretary in President Xiomara Castro’s administration, Moncada represents the LIBRE (Liberty and Re-foundation) party. He has pledged to “democratize” an economy still starkly divided between extreme wealth and dire poverty.
2. **Salvador Nasralla** – This is Nasralla’s fourth presidential run, now as the candidate for the conservative Liberal Party. He positions himself as an outsider capable of tackling the deep-seated corruption that has plagued the nation.
3. **Nasry “Tito” Asfura** – The former mayor of Tegucigalpa, Asfura is attempting to reposition the conservative National Party as a champion of business after a series of corruption scandals involving past leaders, one of whom is currently serving time in a U.S. prison.
Hondurans have voiced that security and job creation are their top concerns, despite a strengthening economy under Castro’s leadership. While there has been a notable decline in homicides in Central America, Honduras retains the highest homicide rate in the region.
Trump’s Unexpected Interference
The presidential race, which had previously been dominated by candidates hurling accusations of electoral manipulation, took a surprising turn last week when Trump endorsed Asfura and criticized his opponents. This endorsement signals a renewed U.S. interest in Latin America.
In a stunning move, Trump announced on Friday that he would pardon former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence in the U.S. for facilitating drug trafficking. This decision left many Hondurans both baffled and wary, raising questions about the influence of U.S. politics on their election.
When questioned about his rationale for the pardon, Trump claimed it was in response to the belief among Hondurans that Hernández was unfairly targeted for political reasons. “The people of Honduras really thought he was set up, and it was a terrible thing,” he stated aboard Air Force One, echoing sentiments that Hernández’s presidency was misconstrued as synonymous with drug trafficking.
However, many citizens expressed discomfort with the sudden surge of U.S. involvement, hoping merely for a peaceful electoral process.
Diverse Perspectives from the Electorate
Cristian Zelaya, a 42-year-old systems engineer, articulated his desire to steer Honduras away from a fate akin to that of Venezuela. He aimed to oust what he referred to as “Communists,” a jab at the ruling LIBRE party, which he feels has failed to fulfill its lofty promises.
While he praised Trump’s pardon of Hernández, he insisted it had no bearing on his voting choice.
Conversely, Carlos Alberto Figueroa, a 71-year-old retiree, expressed support for Moncada, believing he should continue the developmental work initiated by President Castro, which he credits for progress in the economy and security. Yet, he too dismissed Trump’s potential influence, asserting that the ultimate decision rests with the Honduran electorate.
Twenty-year-old Nancy Serrano, casting her vote for the first time, emphasized her frustration with pervasive corruption, which she believes stifles opportunities for youth and undermines the economy.
Preliminary Results Anticipated Sunday Evening
As voting commenced Sunday, National Electoral Council President Ana Paola Hall urged candidates to adhere to guidelines prohibiting premature declarations of victory before official results are confirmed.
Despite reports of some polling stations opening late, overall voting appeared to proceed without significant issues. The Council plans to unveil preliminary results by 9 p.m., although they have up to 30 days to announce the final outcome.
Over 4,000 domestic and international election observers were deployed across nearly 6,000 polling locations nationwide, underscoring the importance of transparency in this critical democratic exercise.
