Honduras TV presenter extends lead over presidential rival supported by Trump

Salvador Nasralla, a television presenter in Honduras, extended his slim advantage over Nasry Asfura, the candidate endorsed by former US President Donald Trump, as the vote tally from the weekend's presidential election continued into its third day.

With almost 80% of ballots counted from Sunday's election, Nasralla held 40.34% compared to Asfura's 39.57%, according to the CNE, the country's electoral authority. The partial results earlier showed the two contenders in a near tie, drawing criticism from Trump.

Trump accused Honduran election officials of attempting to manipulate the vote and warned of serious consequences if the outcome was altered. Meanwhile, the CNE urged voters to remain patient while technical issues delayed the final count and assured that the ultimate results would accurately reflect the public's choice.

The contest pits 72-year-old Nasralla against 67-year-old businessman Asfura, whom Trump has described as a key ally in the region. The former president has increasingly intervened in Latin American elections, having recently threatened to withhold aid from countries like Argentina and Honduras if his preferred candidates did not prevail. His ally Javier Milei secured victory in Argentina's midterms.

Regardless of who ultimately wins, the election marked a significant setback for Honduras's leftist party, signaling a rightward shift that could strengthen US influence in a nation that had grown closer to China under the previous administration.

Author: Olivia Parker