Honduras Presidential Election: Trump-Backed Candidate Nasry Asfura Declared Winner

In a closely contested and delayed presidential election, Nasry Asfura, a conservative candidate backed by US President Donald Trump, has been declared the winner in Honduras. According to the National Electoral Council (CNE), Asfura secured 40.3% of the vote, edging out Salvador Nasralla of the centre-right Liberal Party, who obtained 39.5%. The election, which took place weeks ago, was marred by technical problems and allegations of fraud.

The CNE announced the final results on Wednesday, more than 20 days after the vote, sparking concerns about the legitimacy of the process. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged all parties to respect the result, saying, "so that Honduran authorities may ensure a peaceful transition of authority." Asfura, in a post on X, vowed to govern responsibly, stating, "Honduras: I am ready to govern. I will not let you down."

The election was a nail-biter, with Asfura winning by less than 1% of the votes, according to the CNE. The National Party candidate's victory was seen as a significant upset, given the centre-right Liberal Party's strong showing. The Liberal Party had been expected to win, but Asfura's campaign, backed by Trump, managed to gain momentum in the final stretch.

The election was marked by controversy, with allegations of fraud and technical problems delaying the announcement of the results. The Honduran military has vowed to ensure an orderly post-election power transfer, but the outcome is likely to be challenged in the Central American nation. The election's outcome has significant implications for Honduras, a country struggling with high levels of poverty, crime, and corruption.

In the aftermath of the election, Honduras issued an arrest warrant for former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was pardoned by the US earlier this year. The move is seen as a significant step towards accountability and justice in the country.

As Honduras prepares for a new government, the international community is watching closely. The US, in particular, has a significant stake in the outcome, given its close ties with the Central American nation. Asfura's victory is likely to be seen as a significant development in US-Honduras relations, with Trump's backing seen as a key factor in his campaign's success.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged all parties to respect the result, saying, "so that Honduran authorities may ensure a peaceful transition of authority." Asfura's victory is likely to be met with a mix of reactions, with some welcoming his promise to govern responsibly, while others express concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

The outcome of the election is likely to be challenged in the coming days, with the Liberal Party and other opposition groups vowing to contest the results. The Honduran military has vowed to ensure an orderly post-election power transfer, but the country's future remains uncertain.

As Honduras looks to the future, one thing is clear: the country faces significant challenges, from poverty and crime to corruption and inequality. The new government, led by Asfura, will need to address these issues head-on if it is to succeed in delivering a better future for the Honduran people.