Nasry Tito Asfura, the right-wing, Trump-backed candidate, was declared the winner of Honduras' presidential election following a vote count that extended for nearly a month and faced allegations of fraud and criticism regarding potential U.S. interference. Asfura, 67, a construction magnate and former mayor of Tegucigalpa, secured 40.27% of the vote, defeating center-right candidate Salvador Nasralla, who garnered 39.53%, a difference of approximately 28,000 votes.

The electoral council's decision to proclaim a winner before completing the review of all tally sheets under a special scrutiny launched last week to recount votes flagged as inconsistent drew immediate criticism. The Organization of American States (OAS), which had deployed an observation mission, lamented the decision.

Asfura's political background includes a long tenure as mayor of the Honduran capital. His policy positions generally align with conservative economic principles and a focus on security. Nasralla, a television personality, ran on a platform of combating corruption and addressing social inequality.

The delay in announcing the results and the subsequent allegations of fraud have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The narrow margin of victory further intensified the scrutiny. The U.S. government's role in Honduras has long been a subject of debate, and the election outcome has reignited discussions about potential interference.

The OAS observation mission expressed concerns about irregularities and inconsistencies observed during the vote count. They called for a thorough investigation of all allegations of fraud to ensure transparency and accountability.

The next steps involve the formal certification of the election results and the transition of power. Nasralla has not yet conceded and has indicated he may challenge the results, potentially leading to further legal proceedings. The incoming Asfura administration faces the challenge of uniting a divided country and addressing concerns about the legitimacy of the election.