Summary

The final results of Honduras’ presidential election have not yet been released, and the prolonged counting process is causing concern among some observers. Both leading candidates have claimed victory. The opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla initially held a sizable lead over the incumbent, President Juan Orlando Hernandez. However, the electoral tribunal now puts Hernandez in the lead with 80 percent of the vote counted. Tensions are starting to build ahead of the release of the final numbers as accusations of fraud from the Nasralla camp mount.

Background

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, with one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Transnational organized crime, systemic corruption, and political instability have contributed to the country’s dire situation. The country’s location in Central America makes it an important hub in the transnational drug trade. Since the 2009 coup d’etat against left-wing President Manuel Zelaya, Honduras has endured political turmoil and increasing authoritarianism.