Honduras: Post-election protests possible /update 3

Event

The two leading candidates in the November 26 presidential elections - incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernández and Salvador Nasralla of the leftist coalition Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship - have both claimed victory. Preliminary results indicate that Nasralla is ahead; it is unclear when the final results will be released. Protests and rallies by supporters and opponents of both candidates are likely in the country in the coming hours and days, notably in the capital Tegucigalpa.

Allegations of fraud have been raised, although a group of international observers has declared the elections “calm” and “transparent,” with only minor irregularities reported.

Context

Tensions have been high surrounding the re-election bid of President Hernández, which has been denounced as illegal by the political opposition. According to the Honduran constitution, presidents may only serve one four-year term; 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. 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.