Honduras’ electoral authority is preparing to declare a winner in last month’s presidential election, a process complicated by a narrow vote count, pending challenges, and internal divisions within the body overseeing the tally.
Close Race and Disputed Results
Nasry Asfura, of the National Party (PN), and backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently leads the count with less than a one-percentage-point advantage over television presenter Salvador Nasralla, representing the Liberal Party. As of Tuesday, the National Electoral Council (CNE) had processed 99.2% of the voting records.
Based on the current data, the CNE’s plenary session approved a report proposing to declare a winner “with the data that is available at this time.” This resolution was supported by two of the three members of the CNE. While the National Party suggests a formal announcement could come as early as Wednesday, the CNE has until December 30th to officially declare the new president.
Challenges and Internal Conflict
Despite the move toward a declaration, approximately 600 voting records remain under review due to inconsistencies. The approved resolution also dismissed several challenges to the results. However, Nasralla, a former vice president under Xiomara Castro, has rejected the decision and is demanding a more thorough review of the vote.
“I do not accept the declaration (…), they are preventing a vote-by-vote count,” Nasralla stated in a video posted on his social media accounts. He alleges irregularities in thousands of records and is calling for a comprehensive recount before any official proclamation.
The CNE is currently experiencing internal division, attributed to the politicization of the organization. This fracture was evident during the vote on the report. CNE member Marlon Ochoa, representing the ruling party, refused to vote for the resolution and publicly voiced his opposition, stating, “I should not and cannot participate in an illegal act because I would become complicit (…). Here, a electoral coup d’état will be consummated.” Ochoa believes the CNE must first address 288 pending appeals, nullifications, and claims before moving forward.
Ochoa has also filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, an institution close to the government, alleging electoral crimes related to the process and the handling of challenges.
International Scrutiny
CNE President Ana Paola Hall has appealed to national and international observers to remain vigilant for potential interference or pressure as the announcement of the new president approaches. In a post on social media platform X, Hall called on observation missions and the international community to “be attentive to what they may try to do tonight against the electoral process or against those who lead it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading in the Honduran presidential election?
Nasry Asfura, of the National Party, currently leads the count with less than a one-percentage-point advantage over Salvador Nasralla, of the Liberal Party.
How many voting records are still under review?
Approximately 600 voting records are still under review due to inconsistencies, according to the CNE.
What is the deadline for the CNE to declare a winner?
The CNE has until December 30th to officially declare the new president.
As the CNE moves toward a potential declaration, the possibility of further legal challenges and continued protests remains. It remains to be seen whether the concerns raised by Nasralla and Ochoa will be addressed, or if the current trajectory will lead to a swift, albeit contested, resolution.
