Honduras: General elections on November 26 /update 2

Event

Increased security measures and regulations are being instituted ahead of general elections set to take place throughout the country on Sunday, November 26. Some 35,000 security forces, backed by air support, will be deployed on election day to maintain order. They will be patrolling streets and posted at polling stations.

A temporary ban on the carrying of arms went into effect on Thursday and will remain in place until midnight on November 30. Exemptions are made for private security guards. Military and National Police have been stationed on highways and major roads in cities and towns to enforce this measure. Police may establish checkpoints and search people in cars and on public transportation for unauthorized firearms. 

Context

Hondurans will vote to elect candidates for various posts on Sunday, including the president, three vice presidents, members of the legislature, and mayors. Ten different political parties will be taking part in the elections and nine candidates are in the running for the presidency.

Tensions are high surrounding the re-election bid of incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernández, in office since 2014, which has been denounced as illegal by the political opposition. According to the Honduran constitution, presidents may only serve one four-year term, outlining severe punishments for anyone attempting to breach this statute. However, a highly 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. Honduras’s national human rights commission Conadeh has called on all candidates to accept the election results once they are published to avoid social unrest and political violence. 

The campaign period officially came to a close on November 20; however, unauthorized rallies and anti-Hernández protests remain possible in the coming days - notably in the cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula - particularly in the event 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 avoid polling stations on election day and to avoid any demonstrations.