Honduras has been shaken by a surge of political violence after its contested presidential election two weeks ago. “The extreme electoral irregularities and the charged context in which they arose are threatening to inflame instability for years to come,” Al Jazeera English writes. Incumbent Juan Orlando Hernandez, a pro-business lawyer representing the right-wing National party, officially won, but the Honduran constitution prohibits the re-election of sitting or former leaders. To get around this, The Guardian says, Hernandez used a “contentious” 2016 court ruling to justify his bid.
Opposition contender Salvador Nasralla, a former game show host, cried foul, alleging vote tampering. He appealed for an international arbiter to oversee a recount and encouraged supporters to demonstrate. At least 14 people have died in post-election protests, Voice of America reports.
With the threat of more violence and a shaky democratic future for one of the US’s key allies, what are the implications for the region?
Full Article: Honduras election crisis: violent clashes and no winner in sight | The Week UK.