Honduras: Election-related unrest continue throughout country Dec. 4 /update 15

Event

Large election-related demonstrations took place nationwide, including in Tegucigalpa, on Monday, November 4. Consequent traffic disruptions were reported on major thoroughfares in Tegucigalpa and other major cities.

The Honduran election board reportedly finished counting the votes on Monday, but has thus far declined to declare a winner. Incumbent president, Juan Orlando Hernandez, was reportedly ahead with 42.98 percent of votes. Nevertheless, opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla and political opposition protesters have called for an election re-run to resolve the ongoing crisis, and for an end to an ongoing daily curfew that remains in place from 18:00 to 06:00 (local time). Meanwhile, according to local sources, police officers nationwide have refused to enforce government orders, including the curfew, by standing down and remaining in their barracks. Election-related political violence has resulted in the arrests of several hundred people, and at least two deaths since November 29; some local media sources have reported as many as eight related deaths.

Additional protests, political violence, and associated transportation disruptions are expected in the coming days throughout Honduras, and particularly in Tegucigalpa.

Context

Protests have been ongoing throughout Honduras since Wednesday, November 29. Reports of vandalism and looting are widespread, particularly in urban areas. On Friday, December 1, military officials announced that the government had suspended several constitutional guarantees, granting security forces greater power to address election-related protests and violence. Violent clashes were reported on Saturday, December 2, in Tegucigalpa, between the Honduran police and protesters.

The Tribunal Supremo Electoral (TSE) has been criticized by international observers for a lack of transparency during the vote counting process. Nasralla has claimed that the TSE has manipulated the election tally in incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernández's favor in recent days, and that "there will be civil war" if Hernández is declared the winner.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, monitor developments in the situation, and strictly avoid all demonstrations.

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.