Honduras: Opposition calls for protests Dec. 22 /update 26

Event

Sociopolitical tensions remain high in Honduras amid the ongoing electoral crisis. Former President Manuel Zelaya has called for national protests to continue on Friday, December 22, in support of the official loser of the November 26 presidential election, Salvador Nasralla.

While a relative calm has returned to Tegucigalpa, unrest has continued elsewhere in the country, notably in the city of San Pedro Sula. A peaceful demonstration took place on Thursday in front of the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa to denounce Washington’s apparent support of current President Juan Orlando Hernández, the declared winner.

Context

Protests denouncing the results of the November 26 presidential election have been ongoing throughout the country for nearly a month. There have been numerous reports of deadly clashes, vandalism, looting, and roadblocks, particularly in urban areas.

Nasralla continues to call for fresh elections to be held, a call backed by the Organization of American States (OAS), amid to claims of massive electoral fraud and other irregularities. He has also called for the international community to suspend financial aid to the national government until the situation is resolved, and warned of a possible civil war if new elections are not held. 

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, closely monitor 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.