Jesuits in Canada and the U.S. Issue Response to Honduras Election
BY ISN STAFF | December 8, 2017
Jesuits in Canada and the United States have spoken out regarding the unrest surrounding the November 26 presidential election in Honduras.
Early election results showed the opposition’s candidate, Salvador Nasralla, in the lead. However, shortly after, results suddenly stopped coming in. When the polling system came back up after a 36-hour delay, the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) reported that incumbent Hernández was in the lead.
The TSE’s long delay, its lack of transparency during that time, and the close alignment of its authorities with the ruling government have sparked doubt about the legitimacy of election results.
Thousands of Hondurans have taken to the street in protest. In response, police and military have tear gassed and shot at protesters, leaving several dead and many more wounded. On December 2, the Honduran government announced a state of siege, instating a curfew, which has now been lifted in some areas, and ordering the detention of protesters for occupying public spaces. Over 1,300 have reportedly been detained.
On December 3, Pope Francis, while speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square, shared that he is praying for the people of Honduras.
The full statement from the Jesuits of Canada and the United States can be found below.
Read the letter to the Canadian Minister of Foreign relations from Canadian Provincials on Honduras and learn more about the Central American Province response.
Join ISN in calling for justice in Honduras here.
God bless Honduras, the land and its people with peace, security, and prosperity.