Juan Orlando Hernández of Ruling Party Wins Honduras Elections

Despite issues on worsened crime and poverty situations under Honduras’ departing president Porfirio Lobo, the ruling party has been given another four years of leadership in the just concluded national election. Election officials have declared that 45-year old Juan Orlando Hernandez, the administration candidate, already has an irrevocable lead. Hernandez’ campaign platform was based on law and order advocacy with the primary objective of restoring peace and discipline in the country.

Tough fight

The election was met by a tough encounter between the main contending candidates, Juan Orlando Hernández of the administration party and Xiomara Castro, wife of Manuel Zelaya, former president of Honduras. Zelaya was toppled from the presidential post when the military staged a coup in 2009. Xiomara Castro already claimed early victory although preliminary vote counts showed a 5% lead by his rival, Hernandez. Castro comes second to Hernández while six more candidates trail behind.

Decisive outcome

According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal on Monday, the votes placed Hernández of the right-wing ruling National Party on a 34.08% ballot share while Castro of the left-wing party stood at 28.92%. “The outcome is decisive. The figures that we have reported reflect a trend that is irreversible. The outcome is not going to change,” David Matamoros, electoral council chief said. The election process was beset with tension as both Hernández and Castro claimed to have won the polls. Castro’s camp would not accept the announced results by the electoral tribunal and supporters gave threats of putting on street protests. Rosales, supreme electoral tribunal spokeswoman said the result was not final but the trend indicated sure win for Hernández.

Divided House

When Hernández assumes office as president, his rule is foreseen to face a divided house. In the same election held Sunday, 128 Congress members were also elected. This could be an implication that the political condition in this nation of 8.5 million people and with the highest murder rate in the world, may not take a dramatic turn.

Grim situation

Honduras is reportedly the transit zone for many cocaine deals from South America to the United States. The US anti-drug enforcement endeavors have been mostly focused on Honduras. Poverty is widespread, covering half of the population while many workers have to fend for wages at 220 pounds per month, lower than the minimum wage. Unemployment and underemployment continue to plague the nation as figures have increased from 28% (2008) to 43% (present).

Comeback attempt

Castro’s bid for the presidency is seen as a move by Honduras’ ousted president Zelaya to recapture power, which was shortened by a coup. The political strength of Honduras remains to be shaky because of the coup modus operandi that continues to influence the government.

The election started with Hernandez and Castro both taking alternate leads in poll surveys. Political observers have forecasted possible election protests that can cause further instability. International personalities like Lisa Kubiske, US ambassador to Honduras congratulated the Honduran electorate for casting their votes peacefully. On the whole, there was a high voter turnout and the conduct of the poll count was observably honest and clean.

Photo Credit: Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández