Nasralla Takes Narrow Lead in Honduras Election Amid Delays and Fraud Allegations

Salvador Nasralla of the centrist Liberal Party pulled ahead by a razor-thin margin in Honduras’ presidential race on Tuesday, securing 40.13% of the vote against National Party candidate Nasry Asfura’s 39.71%, with around 68% of ballots counted. The tight contest, marked by delays and technical failures, has stirred tensions across the country as the electoral authority struggles to resolve issues that left nearly 20% of votes uncounted.

Accusations of interference and fraud have escalated sharply, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged — without evidence — that the results were being manipulated, warning there would be “hell to pay” if the outcome changed. Trump also pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, released from a U.S. prison on Monday after serving part of a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking. His statements drew strong criticism from Honduran political figures, including former President Manuel Zelaya, who condemned U.S. involvement in the election.

As the count continues, the highly charged environment has raised fears of protests and unrest, though election observers from the Organization of American States reported largely peaceful voting. Third-place candidate Rixi Moncada of the LIBRE Party has refused to concede, alleging manipulation and foreign interference. Both Nasralla and Asfura have indicated they may restore diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a move closely watched in Taipei. The electoral authority has promised to release updates through media and political parties to ensure transparency as the nation awaits final results.

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