Mon Dec 08 21:55:30 UTC 2025: Honduras on Edge as Election Results Trickle In Amid Fraud Claims
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Honduras is teetering on the brink of unrest as election officials continue to tally votes from the November 30th election, following a three-day pause and mounting allegations of fraud and inconsistencies. With 89% of the ballots counted as of Monday, conservative candidate Nasry Asfura holds a narrow lead with 40.21% of the vote, closely followed by centrist Salvador Nasralla at 39.5%. Leftist Rixi Moncada trails behind with 19.28%.
Ana Paola Hall, president of the National Electoral Council (CNE), stated that updated results are being released after “necessary technical actions” and external auditing. However, the process has been marred by accusations of impropriety from all sides. About 14% of the tally sheets showed inconsistencies and would be reviewed.
Concerns are further inflamed by comments from United States President Donald Trump, who signaled his preference for Asfura, suggesting that US support for Honduras would be jeopardized if he lost. This prompted outrage from other candidates, who accused Trump of election meddling and coercion.
Honduras has a history of contested elections and political instability, including a coup in 2009 and violent protests following the disputed 2017 election, where security forces killed at least 16 people. The opposition has criticized Trump’s interference, while candidates trade accusations of intimidation and corruption.
With tensions high and accusations of impropriety rampant, rights groups and civil society organizations are urging patience and transparency as the vote count continues. The prolonged process has sparked concerns of potential clashes and further destabilization in the Central American nation.
First Piper 