Conservative businessman Nasry Asfura was named president-elect of Honduras with the support of Donald Trump, three weeks after an election marked by a tiny difference with his main rival and allegations of fraud.
His victory marks the return of the right to power in one of the region’s poorest countries after four years in power by left-wing candidate Xiomara Castro. It also highlights the progress of conservative governments following changes in Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina.
“Honduras: I am ready to govern. I will not let you down,” the president-elect, who will take office on January 27, wrote on the social network. “It is time for reconciliation, for unity (…). I extend my hand to you so that you walk together with firm determination,” he later indicated in a video.
Asfura, 67, a building contractor and son of Palestinian immigrants, won by less than a point over fellow right-wing television presenter Salvador Nasralla. Nasralla called for a full recount of votes and does not recognize his opponent’s victory.
This was the second time Asfura ran for president, now with the support of US President Trump, who was determined to consolidate a right-wing bloc in the region. “The United States congratulates the President-elect (…) and hopes to cooperate with his administration,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in X.
It is the “final defeat of narco-socialism,” said Argentine President Javier Milei on the same channel.
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