Honduras Election Count Tightens as Asfura Pulls Ahead Amid Fraud Claims

Honduras’ presidential election remains on edge as conservative National Party candidate Nasry Asfura, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, moved slightly ahead in the prolonged vote count. With 97% of ballots now tallied from the November 30 election, the 67-year-old former Tegucigalpa mayor has secured 40.52% of the vote, holding a narrow lead of just over 42,000 votes. His closest rival, popular television host Salvador Nasralla, follows closely with 39.18%, after both candidates traded leads multiple times throughout the count.

Rixi Moncada of the ruling Libre Party remains in third place with 19.32%, far behind the two frontrunners. The National Electoral Council (CNE) resumed releasing updated results on Monday, citing necessary technical reviews and external auditing. Officials noted that about 16% of tally sheets showed inconsistencies and will undergo further examination, adding to the delays that have fueled public uncertainty.

The slow vote tabulation has drawn concern from international election observers, who urged Honduran authorities to accelerate the process and reinforce transparency to maintain public trust. Despite allegations of fraud from Nasralla and calls for annulment and nationwide protests from Moncada, streets across Tegucigalpa and other cities have remained calm. Still, tensions linger due to memories of the violent aftermath of the disputed 2017 election, during which at least 16 protesters were killed by security forces.

The political atmosphere has been further complicated by Trump’s vocal support for Asfura. Trump has repeatedly suggested fraud during the count and hinted that U.S. funding to Honduras could be impacted if Asfura does not win. Days before the election, he also announced plans to pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, previously convicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking and weapons charges. On Monday, Honduras’ attorney general issued an international arrest warrant for Hernández, whose wife insists he is innocent and currently staying in a secure location in the United States.

This tightly contested election continues to evolve, with Hondurans and the international community closely watching the final stages of the count and awaiting an outcome that could shape the country’s political direction for years to come.