Honduran Election Update
Preliminary results from the Honduran presidential election indicate a shifting lead. With over two-thirds of ballots counted, Salvador Nasralla, a former vice-president, holds a narrow lead over Nasry Asfura, the conservative former mayor of Tegucigalpa. Asfura's National Party has stated confidence in an eventual victory, maintaining that the race remains undecided.
Alleged External Influence
Statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump have been noted in relation to the Honduran election. Trump expressed support for candidate Nasry Asfura and had made comments regarding potential funding to Honduras and allegations of electoral irregularities. Honduran political analyst Josue Murillo commented on the perceived external involvement, stating, "No government should come here and treat us as a banana republic. That is a lack of respect. Donald Trump saying who we should elect violates our autonomy as a nation, and it affects our elections as well."
Former President Hernandez's Release
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was released from a U.S. correctional facility in Virginia after serving one year of a 45-year sentence for drug-smuggling and weapons charges. This release occurred following a pardon by former President Trump. Hernandez had been found guilty in New York the previous year of leading a drug conspiracy that facilitated the entry of over 400 tonnes of cocaine into the United States. His tenure as president also faced allegations of serious human rights violations.
Following Hernandez's arrest in 2022 and subsequent extradition to the United States, his conviction was perceived by many Hondurans as an instance of judicial accountability, particularly for political figures.
Trump previously commented on Hernandez, stating that "the people of Honduras really thought (Juan Orlando Hernandez) was set up and it was a terrible thing." This perspective has been contrasted with accounts by Honduran journalists covering Hernandez's political career.
Comments from Ana Garcia Carias
Ana Garcia Carias, wife of Juan Orlando Hernandez and former First Lady, expressed her reaction to his release, describing it as "like being in a dream, a dream made reality." She confirmed he is in a secure location and that their family shared a moment of celebration.
Regarding Hernandez's potential return to Honduras, Ms. Garcia Carias stated it would depend on security assurances from Honduran authorities. She alleged that the current Honduran government had fostered "a discourse of hate" and "persecution" against her husband, creating a dangerous environment for his return.
Ms. Garcia Carias characterized the case against Hernandez as "lawfare," a "deep state" operation, and a "politically motivated witch-hunt" by the Biden administration. When presented with the information that the case was largely developed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Justice during Trump's first term, she dismissed the notion, arguing it was "illogical" to involve a supposed co-conspirator in classified meetings. She reiterated her claim of a "political campaign" involving "figures in the Biden administration" and "manipulation of the facts after the event."