Trump's preferred candidate regains a slight advantage in Honduras presidential election.

A conservative presidential contender in Honduras, supported by Donald Trump, has retaken a slim advantage over his opponent as vote counting extended into its fourth day. With over 86% of ballots tallied, officials emphasized that it is still too early to declare a winner.

Businessman Nasry Asfura, endorsed by Trump, holds 40.24% of the vote, narrowly surpassing fellow conservative and TV personality Salvador Nasralla, who has 39.41%, according to the National Electoral Council (CNE).

The CNE faced criticism from the U.S. president after it reported a preliminary count on Monday showing the two candidates in a "technical tie." Ana Paola Hall, head of the CNE, explained Thursday that the electoral body was entering data from records that could not be transmitted on election day. She urged patience, noting, "Haste is sometimes the enemy of legitimacy," and assured that the final tally would "scrupulously respect the popular will."

Trump, known for questioning election results he opposes, accused Honduran authorities of attempting to manipulate outcomes and warned of consequences if interference occurred. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reinforced this stance, tweeting that "democracy is on trial" in Honduras and calling on all parties to preserve the independence of the CNE for a transparent process. He added, "The world's eyes, including ours, are on Honduras."

Honduras, facing widespread poverty and violence, has seen many citizens migrate north, including children fleeing gang recruitment. Remote areas continue to report incoming ballots, some only accessible by donkey or boat, and the official result may take several more days. Legally, the CNE has up to one month to confirm the winner. Presidential elections in Honduras require only a simple plurality to secure victory in a single round.

Trump has repeatedly expressed support for 67-year-old Asfura, calling him a "friend of freedom," while dismissing 72-year-old Nasralla as someone merely "pretending to be an anti-communist." The U.S. president has also threatened to withhold aid from countries where his preferred candidates fail, following the recent win of his ally, Argentina's President Javier Milei, in midterm elections.

Regardless of the final result, Sunday's election marks a setback for leftist parties in Honduras. A shift to the right could strengthen U.S. influence in a nation that had increasingly leaned toward China under the previous administration. Recently, Trump granted a pardon to former president Juan Orlando Hernandez of Asfura's National Party, who had been serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug trafficking. The pardon has been widely seen as politically significant.

Analysis: Honduras Election Tight Race and International Implications

As the vote count stretches into its fourth day, the Honduran presidential race remains highly competitive. Nasry Asfura, backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, has slightly overtaken Salvador Nasralla, with 40.24% to 39.41% of the vote according to the National Electoral Council (CNE). Officials emphasize that with over 86% of ballots tallied, the outcome is still uncertain and final results may take several more days.

The election has drawn international scrutiny. Trump and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau have highlighted concerns over potential manipulation, underscoring the geopolitical significance of Honduras. The narrow margin and ongoing counting in remote areas illustrate the logistical challenges of ensuring transparency in a nation with widespread poverty and difficult terrain.

Legally, the CNE has up to one month to certify the winner, and only a simple plurality is needed to secure the presidency. Regardless of the final result, Sunday's vote represents a setback for leftist parties and could signal a shift toward stronger U.S. influence in Honduras, a country that has shown growing ties to China in recent years.

As authorities continue counting ballots, patience remains essential. The final tally must balance speed with legitimacy, particularly given the political and international pressures surrounding this closely contested election.

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• Trump favorite reclaims narrow lead in Honduras presidential vote