Donald Trump-backed candidate Nasry "Tito" Asfura has been declared the winner of Honduras's presidential election amid significant controversy, including allegations of fraud and claims of interference by the United States. Asfura, a construction magnate and former mayor of Tegucigalpa, won with 40.27% of the vote, narrowly defeating center-right candidate Salvador Nasralla, who garnered 39.53%.

Election Results and Controversy
The electoral council announced Asfura's victory after a vote count that lasted nearly a month, despite ongoing scrutiny of the tally sheets. The council's decision to proclaim Asfura president-elect before completing the review of all votes has drawn criticism from defeated candidates and international observers. The Organization of American States, which monitored the election on November 30, expressed concern over the electoral process, noting that the results remained unresolved for an extended period.

Asfura's declaration of victory has been met with resistance from Nasralla, who has refused to concede. He alleged widespread fraud in the counting process, including claims of document forgery and manipulation of original tally sheets. Nasralla called on his supporters to remain peaceful, describing the situation as "the saddest Christmas for the Honduran people."

Political Reactions
The head of the Honduran Congress, Luis Redondo, who is aligned with the ruling Libre party, also rejected the electoral results, labeling them as "completely outside the law." The electoral council, composed of three members from different political backgrounds, faced criticism for its decision to declare Asfura the winner based solely on the votes of two councillors. The third councillor, affiliated with President Xiomara Castro's party, has filed a complaint alleging an "electoral coup" and indicated that the results may be challenged in court.

US Involvement and Implications
The election has been further complicated by allegations of interference from the United States, particularly following Trump's endorsement of Asfura shortly before the election. Trump stated that the US would only support the next government if Asfura emerged victorious. This statement has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for foreign influence in Honduran politics.

Asfura has publicly embraced his role as president-elect, stating, "Honduras, we now have the official declaration from the CNE. I am ready to govern. I will not let you down." However, the ongoing disputes surrounding the election results suggest that political instability may persist in Honduras.

Wrap-up
As Honduras faces a tumultuous political landscape following the election, the implications of Asfura's presidency and the allegations of fraud and foreign interference remain to be seen. The situation could lead to legal challenges and further unrest as the nation grapples with the legitimacy of its electoral process.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team