The governments of Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, and the Dominican Republic have issued a joint statement expressing concern over recent political developments in Honduras.
The statement condemns a decree by Honduran President Xiomara Castro that calls for a general recount of election results. The signatory countries say this move undermines the authority of the National Electoral Council and affects democratic institutions in Honduras.
“We firmly reject the decree sanctioned by President Xiomara Castro that orders a general recount, disregarding the authority of the National Electoral Council and affecting democratic institutions,” the statement reads.
The joint communiqué also denounces violence against opposition members that took place on Thursday. “We also repudiate the acts of violence committed against members of the opposition last Thursday and any act of political violence aimed at altering the result expressed at the polls by the Honduran people.”
Additionally, these countries reaffirm their recognition of Nasry Asfura as president-elect based on official results announced by electoral authorities. They note that international observer missions validated these elections held on November 30. “At the same time, we reaffirm our recognition of the proclamation issued by the competent electoral authority regarding official results declaring Nasry Asfura president-elect of Honduras, following elections validated by international observation missions which confirmed the will freely expressed by millions of Hondurans at the polls held last November 30.”
The signatories call on all political forces in Honduras to respect democratic order and ensure a peaceful transition. “We urge all Honduran political forces to respect democratic order, guarantee a peaceful transition and prioritize dialogue; we trust that the Honduran people will know how to defend values of freedom and democracy.”
The statement is signed by representatives from each country’s government.
