ADVERTISEMENT

Opposition wants foreign help vote recount

Hernandez ordered a state of emergency on Friday to curb protests and pillaging, but at least three deaths have been reported in clashes since election day.

The Central American nation of 10 million has plunged into uncertainty punctuated with clashes since the November 26 election pitting Hernandez against leftwing former TV presenter Nasralla, with both sides claiming victory.

The president said he welcomed an opposition demand to re-open ballot boxes.

However the opposition has not filed a formal request -- and Nasralla on Wednesday, showing deep mistrust for local authorities, called on international observers to carry out the review.

ADVERTISEMENT

Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and five other Latin American countries said they would support the review. In a joint statement they urged Hondurans to "peacefully await" the results.

In the first hours after the late November vote Nasralla seemed heading for a comfortable win.

But then ballot counting was delayed multiple times, with election authorities speaking of computer malfunctions, before results trickled out that credited Hernandez with a slight lead.

The Supreme Electoral Authority said Hernandez won 42.98 percent, against 41.39 percent for Nasralla -- but refused to name a winner, saying appeals might challenge the result.

After days of unrest the capital Tegucigalpa was slowly returning to normal, with schools and universities opening their doors again on Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Clashes however may break out when the president's supporters march Thursday in support of his re-election, a demonstration that follows days of anti-government protests.

A violinist in a threadbare suit playing Christmas music in the busy downtown area had a strong opinion about the election.

"Everyone knows that there was fraud," he said, complaining that the Electoral Authority "has the country upside down."

For activist Carmen Castro the result was simple: "We're the laughingstock of the world," she said.

Hernandez's authority appeared fragile as hundreds of police officers refused to enforce a nighttime curfew late Monday. Officers returned to work Tuesday on condition that the government would not force them to repress protesters.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Reps vow to retrieve sold Govt helicopters, summon aviation ministers

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Distress of abducted Kuriga school children led to successful rescue - DHQ

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Reps halt NASU's strike to resolve dispute between FG, universities

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Lagos VIS seizes 50 unroadworthy vehicles in enforcement operation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Aiyedatiwa sends 12 commissioner nominees to Ondo Assembly for confirmation

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Woman saves animal from the streets — then she finds out it is something else

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Alake calls on Badaru to fish out illegal miners, violators of mining laws

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

Divers find bodies of 2 people who drowned after Baltimore bridge collapsed

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

INEC rejects LP's National convention in Anambra, questions venue change

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT