Tito Asfura “Honduras President Elect” by CNE!
Tegucigalpa/Washington, Dec 24 (EFE).-
Honduras’ National Electoral Council (CNE) on Wednesday declared conservative candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura the virtual president-elect following the Nov. 30 general elections, triggering mixed reactions at home and prompting congratulations from the United States after a slow and controversial vote count.
Asfura, of the opposition National Party and an ally of United States President Donald Trump, won with 40.26% of the vote, according to official results released more than three weeks after election day amid allegations of irregularities and political tension.
The declaration was opposed by councilor Marlon Ochoa of the ruling leftist Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre), who on Tuesday warned of what he described as an “electoral coup.”
“By the sovereign will of the Honduran people expressed at the polls, the CNE hereby declares Nasry Juan Asfura Zablah constitutional president of the Republic of Honduras,” the resolution read, adding that his four-year term will run from Jan. 27, 2026, to Jan. 27, 2030.
According to the CNE, Asfura received 1,479,822 votes. Liberal Party candidate Salvador Nasralla finished a close second with 39.54%, or 1,452,796 votes, while Libre candidate Rixi Moncada placed third with 19.19%, totaling 705,428 votes.
The vote count progressed slowly amid technical failures and allegations of fraud, forcing a special review of 2,792 tally sheets with inconsistencies that began five days later, on Dec. 18.
Asfura claims mandate, opposition disputes outcome
Minutes after the announcement, Asfura declared himself ready to lead the country.
“Honduras: I am prepared to govern. I will not fail you,” Asfura wrote on X.
He also praised the electoral authority, saying he recognized “the great work carried out by the CNE councilors and the entire team that oversaw the elections.”
Nasralla, who had demanded a “vote-by-vote” recount, flat out rejected the results.
“I do not accept the declaration issued by the National Electoral Council (CNE) because it does not reflect the complete truth of the citizens’ vote (…) for the fourth consecutive time they have denied me this opportunity; it is not a whim, a result should not have been given without counting all the votes,” Nasralla said at a press conference.
“I announce that I will defend the vote through legal, civic, and peaceful means until the full truth is known,” he emphasized, adding that remaining silent in the face of what he considers “an injustice” does not “give him peace.”
Moncada, backed by the governing Libre party and seen as the political heir of outgoing President Xiomara Castro, said she does not recognize the CNE’s decision.
The dispute has fueled political polarization in the Central American country, which has a history of contested elections and institutional crises.
US congratulates Asfura, urges peaceful transition
The US quickly welcomed the result. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Asfura and called on all political actors to respect the outcome.
“The US urges all parties to respect the confirmed results so Honduran authorities can promptly ensure a peaceful transition of power to President-elect Nasry Asfura,” Rubio said in a statement.
He added that Washington looks forward to working with the new government on security cooperation, curbing irregular migration to the US, and strengthening economic ties.
Trump openly backed Asfura during the campaign, calling him “the only true friend of freedom” and claiming they would work together to fight what he described as “narco-communism.”
Trump also pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, a National Party leader who had been serving a 45-year sentence in the US for drug trafficking.
Trump’s involvement sparked criticism in Honduras and elsewhere in the region, with detractors accusing Washington of electoral interference. EFE
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