The Honduran armed forces said they will guarantee an orderly transfer of power once election results are official, after a disputed presidential vote. Armed Forces Chief Roosevelt Hernandez reaffirmed the military's intention to recognise and protect official results, despite the institution's 2009 coup history. Preliminary counts show Nasry Asfura leading by about 40,000 votes (≈1.32%), while Libre candidate Rixi Moncada has said she will not accept the outcome. Technical problems at the National Electoral Council and fraud allegations have heightened tensions, though protests have so far been mostly peaceful.
Honduran Military Vows To Secure Orderly Power Transfer Amid Disputed Vote
Military police arrive at an electoral facility as supporters of the party LIBRE protest the general election results in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 [Moises Castillo/AP Photo]
The Honduran military has moved into the tense aftermath of the country's presidential vote, saying it will ensure an orderly transfer of power once an official winner is confirmed.
Armed Forces Chief Roosevelt Hernandez told reporters on Wednesday that the military — which led a coup in 2009 and has a record of intervening in politics — will uphold and protect the official results. "We have been clear. We have said we will support and recognise the results," Hernandez said.
Contested Results And Allegations
The national election has been clouded by allegations of fraud and other irregularities from multiple parties. Preliminary tallies show Libre's candidate, Rixi Moncada, trailing well behind centre-right contender Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura, who currently holds a narrow lead of roughly 40,000 votes (about 1.32%). Results remain provisional and have not been finalised.
"We have been clear. We have said we will support and recognise the results." — Roosevelt Hernandez, Armed Forces Chief
Political Fallout And Foreign Comments
President Xiomara Castro, leader of the left-leaning Libre Party, denounced what she called an "electoral coup," citing irregularities and alleged fraud. Before the vote, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that U.S. assistance could be reduced if a candidate he opposed prevailed — a comment criticised by opponents who say it influenced the campaign.
Counting Problems And Security Measures
Technical issues at the National Electoral Council (CNE) have increased uncertainty. CNE head Ana Paola Hall requested military personnel be deployed outside facilities where ballots are stored, a move intended to protect the integrity of the materials while raising concerns for critics wary of the military's role.
Public Reaction
Rixi Moncada has said she will not recognise the result if the provisional tally stands. Salvador Nasralla has publicly condemned external pressure on the vote, including the intervention by former U.S. leaders. Protests calling for clarity have largely remained peaceful, but public tension is high given Honduras' history of contested elections and the violent aftermath of the 2009 coup.
Civil society organisations and international observers have urged calm and patience while authorities work to finalise results and investigate outstanding complaints.
