TEGUCIGALPA: A right-wing Honduran presidential candidate backed by Donald Trump reclaimed a narrow lead over his rival Thursday on the fourth day of a plodding vote count.
With 84.52 per cent of the vote count complete, businessman Nasry Asfura led with 40.05 per cent to 39.74 per cent for fellow right-winger and TV personality Salvador Nasralla, the CNE electoral council said. The result was still too early to call.
The CNE has come under fire from the US president after announcing Monday that a partial count showed the two men locked in a "technical tie."
Trump, who routinely casts doubt on the integrity of elections whose results he disapproves of, accused Honduran authorities of "trying to change" the results, and threatened there would be "hell to pay" if they did.
Honduras is one of Latin America's most impoverished and violent countries, and many citizens have fled north to the US to escape those hardships, including minors fearing forced recruitment by gangs.
The CNE called for "patience" as it finishes the count delayed by technical difficulties, and has vowed the end result will "scrupulously respect the popular will."
It said Tuesday that ballots were still coming in from remote areas — some only accessible by donkey or boat — and the declaration of a winner may still be days away. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
