Hondurans Protest Saying Election Was Stolen

FEATURING SUYAPA PORTILLO – About 2 dozen Hondurans have been killed in post-election violence after incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernandez was declared the winner of the November 26th vote. Hondurans are angry over what appears to be serious election fraud after early election results gave opposition leader Salvador Nasralla a decisive lead. But when the electoral tribunal announced that final results gave Hernandez a slim lead, protests broke out.

Street actions have continued with the government calling for calm. Mr. Hernandez and his allies have so far rejected calls for a vote recount or a new election.

The historical context of Honduras’ newest election includes documented US support for a 2009 coup that ousted then-President Manuel Zelaya who is now backing the opposition leader.

US State Secretary Rex Tillerson certified Honduras as committed to protecting human rights and fighting corruption a mere two days after this new election, paving the way for Congress to reauthorize military aid to the country. US-trained military forces and police have been among those repressing public actions against Hernandez’s government.

Suyapa Portillo, Assistant Professor of Chicano/a-Latino/a Transnational Studies at Pitzer College.