Honduras orders partial recount in tight race

Honduras launched a manual recount of roughly 15% of presidential election records after authorities flagged inconsistencies in thousands of entries that could affect the razor-thin race between the leading candidates. The National Electoral Council (CNE) said the review covers about 2,773 contested records—potentially representing hundreds of thousands of votes—and is being broadcast live with Organization of American States observers on site to bolster transparency. The process was delayed earlier by protests outside the electoral logistics center.

With more than 99% of ballots tallied, conservative National Party candidate Nasry Asfura held a lead of just over 42,000 votes versus centrist Liberal Party contender Salvador Nasralla; both have claimed victory and Nasralla has alleged irregularities. President Xiomara Castro warned of an “electoral coup,” and the United States urged the immediate start of the special scrutiny, warning of consequences if it was not completed. The CNE has until December 30 to certify a winner, who will take office for the 2026–2030 term.

The recount focuses in part on disputed categories such as ballots from security forces and voters abroad—areas that have been contentious in past contests. Operations are proceeding under heightened security with party representatives, domestic observers and international monitors present; officials say the aim is to restore confidence and ensure the final outcome reflects voters’ will. Protesters have at times disrupted activities, prompting temporary suspensions, while authorities warned against obstructing the process and pledged restraint by security forces.

The ruling party dismissed fraud allegations and urged challengers to use legal channels; it said it is cooperating with the recount and expects original results to stand. International observers, including the OAS and the European Union, have not found evidence of systematic fraud in the vote count so far, though technical problems, delays and mistrust have marked the electoral process. Business groups and civil society warned that prolonged uncertainty could damage the fragile economy and investor confidence.

Analysts say the standoff underscores deep institutional mistrust and political polarization in a country with a history of disputed elections. The CNE cautioned the manual review could take several days depending on the volume of contested ballots and security conditions; the outcome will determine Honduras’s political direction and test the resilience of its democratic institutions.