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Nasralla takes slender lead in Honduras vote count
With over two-thirds of ballots processed, former vice-president Salvador Nasralla has edged ahead of conservative rival Nasry Asfura in Honduras' closely watched presidential race. The National Party, however, insists its candidate remains on track for victory.
Trump's intervention stirs tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly backed Asfura, raising concerns over foreign influence. Reports indicate Trump suggested withholding aid from Honduras and alleged electoral fraud without evidence. Honduran political analyst Josue Murillo condemned the remarks as reminiscent of Cold War-era interference.
"No government should treat us like a banana republic. Trump dictating our elections undermines our sovereignty."
Josue Murillo, political analyst
Controversial pardon overshadows race
Former President Juan Orlando Hernández, convicted in the U.S. for drug trafficking and weapons charges, was freed Monday after serving one year of a 45-year sentence. Trump pardoned Hernández, claiming he was "set up," despite a New York court's finding that he smuggled 400+ tons of cocaine into the U.S. Hernández's release coincided with Trump's call for Hondurans to vote for Asfura.
Hernández's tenure was marred by human rights abuses, and his arrest in 2022 was celebrated in Honduras as a rare accountability moment. Yet his wife, Ana García Carías, called his pardon "a dream come true" and accused the Biden administration of orchestrating a "politically motivated witch-hunt."
Safety concerns may delay Hernández's return
García Carías told reporters Hernández's potential return hinges on security guarantees, citing "hateful rhetoric" from the outgoing government. She credited Trump allies Roger Stone and Matt Gaetz for lobbying for the pardon, revealing Stone delivered Hernández's clemency plea to Trump on his birthday.
Election outcome hangs in balance
As vote counting continues, the race remains too close to call. A Nasralla victory would defy Trump's efforts, while an Asfura win could cement U.S. influence in Honduras. Results are expected within days.
