Protests Block Honduran Election Recount as Tensions Rise Between Leading Candidates

Post by : Saif Nasser

Honduras is facing mounting political uncertainty as protests in the capital, Tegucigalpa, have stopped a special recount of ballots from the November 30 presidential election. This hand recount, covering about 15% of the total votes, could change the results between the two main candidates.

Ana Paola Hall, head of the National Electoral Council, said that hundreds of supporters of the ruling leftist LIBRE party blocked access to the building where the ballots are stored. Because of this, election workers were unable to begin the recount. Hall explained on X (formerly Twitter) that the protest “prevented the necessary conditions for the special recount to begin.”

Former President Mel Zelaya, husband of current President Xiomara Castro, encouraged LIBRE supporters to continue protesting and demanded that all ballots from the election be recounted by hand.

Preliminary results show conservative National Party candidate Nasry Asfura leading with 40.54% of the vote, closely followed by center-right Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla at 39.19%. The ruling LIBRE party’s Rixi Moncada trails at 19.29%.

The ballots included in the special recount could shift the lead between Asfura and Nasralla. While voting on election day was largely calm, the vote-counting process has been chaotic, with technical problems and political disputes causing delays and confusion.

International interference has also played a role. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed Asfura, threatened to withhold aid if another candidate won, and claimed election fraud without presenting evidence.

Honduras now faces a critical moment. The delays and protests have left the country in political paralysis, with citizens uncertain about who will lead the nation. A fair and transparent recount is essential to restore public trust and prevent further unrest.

The coming days will be decisive. Honduran authorities must ensure the recount is conducted safely and openly, so the country can move forward from this tense election period.