Honduras: Election results expected by November 30 /update 4

Event

The final results from the November 26 presidential elections are expected by midday on Thursday, November 30. The two leading candidates - incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernández and Salvador Nasralla of the leftist coalition Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship - have both claimed victory. However, with 70 percent of ballots counted, Nasralla maintains a solid lead over Hernández.

Tensions are high. Large protests and rallies are likely once the final results are announced, regardless of the winner, notably in the capital Tegucigalpa. Smaller gatherings are also to be anticipated in the lead-up to the announcement.

Context

The campaign period was also marked by sociopolitical tensions, with President Hernández’s re-election bid denounced as illegal by the political opposition. According to the Honduran constitution, presidents may only serve one four-year term; however, a controversial ruling by the country’s top court in May 2015 seemingly overruled the term limit. At least one segment of the political opposition has already said it would not accept the results if Hernández is re-elected. Post-election violence and social unrest has broken out in the country during previous electoral cycles.

Visitors to the country should note that political activism by foreign nationals is prohibited under Honduran law. Foreigners who take part in demonstrations or other political activities risk detention and or/deportation.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to keep abreast of the situation and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.