Honduran opposition rejects president’s lead in last tally
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — The final vote count in Honduras’ presidential election left the incumbent with a narrow lead Monday, while the main opposition candidate called the tally a fraud and urged the police and armed forces to take control “to ensure the votes of people are respected.”
Electoral officials said they were not declaring a winner yet, to allow the filing of challenges and appeals.
Opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla said at a news conference that he would take his case for a wide recount to the Organization of American States after a hand-count of more 1,000 problematic ballot boxes wrapped up Monday, eight days after the election.
“I am the president-elect of Honduras, the president chosen by the people,” said Nasralla, who had a five-point lead when nearly 58 per cent of the votes were counted in the first hours after the Nov. 26 election. The count then slowed dramatically, and his lead gradually disappeared as results dribbled out, leading the opposition to claim the election was being stolen by President Juan Orlando Hernandez.