Tegucigalpa, Honduras – November 30, 2025: Hondurans went to the polls this weekend to elect their next president amid an unusually tense and highly polarized political climate. The presidential vote, which also included elections for 128 members of Congress, hundreds of mayors, and other public officials, has been overshadowed by threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump and ongoing allegations of electoral fraud.
Voting extended an hour past the scheduled closing time in many polling stations to accommodate citizens still waiting to cast their ballots. Early vote counting began Sunday, but election officials warned that results could take time due to the closeness of the race and strict hand-counting procedures.
A Highly Contested Race
The Honduran presidential election of 2025 has emerged as a three-way contest, with polls showing a near tie between:
- Rixi Moncada, former Defence Minister representing the governing leftist Liberty and Refoundation (LIBRE) party.
- Nasry Asfura, former Tegucigalpa mayor and right-wing candidate for the National Party, backed by the United States.
- Salvador Nasralla, a centrist television host and candidate for the Liberal Party.
Trump publicly endorsed Asfura, posting on social media that the U.S. “will not be throwing good money after bad” if the right-wing candidate does not win. Additionally, Trump suggested he would pardon former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, a National Party member currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking.
Observers say Trump’s statements exemplify U.S. influence in Honduran politics, though the ultimate impact on voters remains uncertain.
Accusations of Fraud and Election Irregularities
The 2025 elections have been marred by accusations of fraud from all sides. The Attorney General’s Office, aligned with the governing LIBRE party, accused opposition parties of planning to manipulate votes, a claim the National Party strongly denies.
An investigation has been launched following audio recordings allegedly revealing a National Party official discussing election manipulation with an unidentified military officer. The opposition claims the recordings were generated using artificial intelligence, a claim that has fueled political tensions.
These disputes have intensified public distrust in the electoral process, and there have been reports of delays in delivering voting materials to certain regions.
Jennifer Lopez, a 22-year-old law student in Tegucigalpa, reflected the cautious optimism of many voters:
“We are hoping there will be no fraud and that the elections will be peaceful. This would be a huge step forward for democracy in our country.”
Honduras’ Political Context
Honduras has a complex political history. In 2009, a right-wing coup ousted President Manuel Zelaya, a LIBRE party founder and husband of current President Xiomara Castro, who won a landslide victory in 2021. Castro, Honduras’ first female president, prioritized social spending, public investment, and economic reforms that reduced poverty and inequality, though challenges remain.
Security has gradually improved, though Honduras continues to have Central America’s highest homicide rate. Voter concerns in the 2025 election centered on jobs, economic stability, and public safety.
Slow Vote Counting and Uncertain Outcome
Vote counting in Tegucigalpa has been painstakingly slow, with ballots being tallied by hand. Exit polls were banned to prevent unrest, leaving final results uncertain until later in the day.
Carlos Alberto Figueroa, a 71-year-old retiree in the capital, expressed support for Moncada, hoping for continuity with Castro’s policies. He downplayed Trump’s influence:
“The people of Honduras will make the decision, not outside pressure.”
The Organization of American States (OAS) raised concerns over potential electoral interference and called for a free and fair election. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau warned that Washington would respond decisively to anyone undermining the democratic process.
Looking Ahead
As Honduras awaits results, political analysts are watching closely to see if foreign influence, allegations of fraud, or delays in counting will affect the outcome. With three top candidates nearly tied in the polls, the 2025 election may mark another critical chapter in Honduras’ ongoing struggle for democratic stability, social progress, and political transparency.
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