FILE - National Party presidential candidate Nasry Asfura poses for a selfie with a supporter, after voting at a polling station in the general elections in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Nov. 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File)
Hondurans are set to elect a new president on March 10, 2024, in a contest marked by a close race among several candidates and heightened international attention due to former U.S. President Donald Trump‘s unexpected involvement. This election reflects a renewed focus from the United States on Latin America, underscored by Trump’s recent endorsement of Nasry “Tito” Asfura, the candidate from the conservative National Party.
The electoral landscape features five candidates, with three emerging as frontrunners according to recent polls. Rixi Moncada, 60, previously held the roles of finance and defense secretary under the current administration of President Xiomara Castro and represents the social democratic LIBRE party. Salvador Nasralla, making his fourth presidential attempt, is running for the conservative Liberal Party. Asfura aims to revitalize the National Party, which has faced challenges due to allegations of corruption associated with past leadership.
Candidates have focused their campaigns on critical issues such as economic disparities and corruption. Castro’s administration has pledged to “democratize” an economy that continues to grapple with extreme wealth inequality. Nasralla positions himself as the outsider capable of addressing the pervasive corruption issues. Meanwhile, Asfura seeks to restore trust in the National Party as a pro-business entity.
While Honduras has seen a decline in homicides in recent years, it still holds the highest homicide rate in Central America, contributing to ongoing concerns about public safety. Voters indicate that security and job creation are their primary concerns, despite economic improvements during Castro’s term.
The dynamics of the election shifted significantly when Trump publicly endorsed Asfura and criticized his opponents. On March 8, Trump made headlines by announcing he would pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president currently serving a 45-year sentence in a U.S. prison for drug trafficking-related charges. This announcement has left many Hondurans anxious about the implications of U.S. interference in their electoral process.
With a backdrop of U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and escalating tensions surrounding Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, the impact of Trump’s involvement remains uncertain. Hondurans are concerned about ensuring a peaceful election in light of this renewed attention from the United States.
In addition to the presidential election, voters will also select new members of Congress and hundreds of mayors and city council members, making this a pivotal moment in Honduran politics. As the nation approaches election day, the focus remains on the candidates, their platforms, and the potential influence of external factors on the democratic process.
