Honduras vote count resumes with Trump-backed candidate holding narrow lead

Honduran electoral authorities have resumed counting ballots from the November 30 presidential election after a controversial three-day pause, with conservative candidate Nasry Asfura clinging to a narrow lead. Asfura, backed by US President Donald Trump, held 40.11% of the vote against centrist Salvador Nasralla's 39.73%, with over 91% of ballots processed as of Monday afternoon local time.

Accusations of foreign interference and technical issues

The ruling Libre Party, whose candidate Rixi Moncada trails in third place with 19.17%, has called for the election's annulment. It accuses President Trump of direct interference, citing his endorsement of Asfura, promises of support if he wins, and attacks labeling Moncada as "communist and corrupt." The National Election Council (CNE) attributed the counting delay to repeated "technical problems" with its reporting system and alleged attempts to breach and manipulate the software.

A disputed and tense electoral process

The prolonged silence from election officials since Friday left the nation in suspense during its most contentious vote in recent years. The tight margin between the top two candidates and the serious allegations of external meddling have cast a shadow over the electoral process's legitimacy. CNE President Ana Paola Hall's explanation of technical failures has done little to quell mounting political and public tension.

Implications for Honduras and regional relations

The outcome will determine the political direction of a key Central American nation. A victory for the Trump-endorsed Asfura would likely strengthen ties with the United States under its current administration, while a potential challenge or annulment could plunge the country into a prolonged period of instability. The situation underscores the volatile nature of democratic transitions in the region and the impact of great-power politics on domestic elections.