The presidential election in Honduras has been a rollercoaster, but the U.S. administration is now urging all involved parties to accept the outcome. After a period marked by delays, technical issues, and serious allegations of fraud, Nasry Asfura, the conservative National Party candidate, has officially been declared the victor.
This election gained significant attention due to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public support for Asfura. Before the vote, Trump posted on Truth Social, hailing Asfura as “the only real friend of Freedom in Honduras” and encouraging citizens to vote for him. The U.S. president even reportedly threatened to cut financial aid to Honduras if Asfura didn’t win, underscoring the U.S.’s vested interest in the region.
Asfura belongs to the same political party as former President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Interestingly, despite Trump’s tough stance on illegal drugs, he had previously pardoned Hernandez, who served a 45-year U.S. sentence after being convicted on drug trafficking and firearms charges. This complex background adds layers to the current situation.
Following Asfura’s victory declaration, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement. He called on all parties to respect the confirmed results to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Rubio also expressed the U.S.’s commitment to working with the incoming administration. Key goals include enhancing bilateral and regional security cooperation, reducing illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The focus now appears to be on stability and future collaboration.