What I Saw at the Honduran Election
Despite threats of violence, bombs, and bullying by other countries, as well as being told by their former president that they would be stupid to vote and by world leaders that it would be a waste of time, the valiant Honduran people came through and showed the rest of the world that they value their democracy.
Just as Honduran President Roberto Micheletti had promised hundreds of times since June 28, voters were safe and secure, and the elections were fair and the most transparent in the history of Honduras. Micheletti often said, “No one, absolutely no one, will stop our elections.” And no one did, but not for lack of trying.
I went to three polling places on Sunday in La Ceiba (the third largest city) and one in El Porvenir (a smaller town) in the department of Atlantida. The polling places were crowded, and hardly any police or military were in sight. I was surprised at the latter because I was worried they would be needed for security. However, the atmosphere was fiesta-like: happy people, kids playing, mothers carrying babies, many people lingering to talk to their neighbors. I also saw more traffic than usual on a Sunday, with many cars waving the flags of Honduras and/or the political parties. Some polling places had food stands set up outside, adding to the festival atmosphere.
I talked to two soldiers at two different polling places. They were polite and informative and very happy that everything had been calm and orderly. I was taking pictures like crazy — no one minded, not even the soldiers. I was initially concerned about this as the resistance warned they would be taking photos of voters, implying that there would be retaliation later; I didn’t want to worry anyone. The photos can be viewed at my blog, La Gringa’s Blogicito. Judge for yourself whether the polls were empty or whether people seem intimidated.
The voter turnout has been estimated at 61%, clearly higher than Zelaya’s 2005 election (55%) and almost exactly the rate of the 2008 U.S. presidential election (where voters have no fear of bombs and massacres). The number of null and blank ballots is also estimated at much less (around 5%) than in 2005 (8.6%). It is extremely likely that the total number of eligible voters is grossly overstated, but whether it is more overstated than prior years, I don’t know.
The reason is that I don’t believe there is any attempt to identify Hondurans who no longer live in the country, unless they officially change their address with the national registry. I really doubt that is done by most Hondurans in other countries, resulting in citizens being unable to vote in the U.S., where more than one million Honduran expatriates are estimated to be located.
While I was waiting for my husband to vote, I saw that six members of his family were on the list for that voting table. Two of them have been in the U.S. for nine and 26 years, respectively. Another one is in Europe and one passed away 11 years ago. So four of the six listed would not be voting, but not because they were protesting the elections. I’ve rarely met a family in Honduras who does not have at least one relative in the U.S.
Both in-country and international election observers gave outstanding reports and congratulated the Honduran people. Several said that Honduras should be an example for other countries. A Venezuelan observer said, “This demonstrates that the world was wrong. All countries need to rectify their attitude toward Honduras.” When asked about the position of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Honduras, one observer said, “The OAS became a white elephant years ago. Now it has become a black elephant.” National Review’s blog The Corner includes an article by one election observer who wrote that the endless false reports of repression of Radio Globo “had nothing to do with the reality around me.”
And the Hondureños lived happily for ever after . . .
vivo’s a well known troll here. I’ve been to Honduras many times over the years and spent some time in Teguc, San Pedro Sula, La Cieba, Trujillo and other places. I’m thrilled that the wonderful Honduran people exercised their constitutional rights in such numbers. Sure they won’t live “happily ever after” as vivo sarcastically posits. Who does? But I suspect they will live happier than their Latin American brothers in Cuba or Venezuela, for instance.
And what would have happened if we had sent anyone down there on either side ? What would have happened if we forced things (sanctions to get these elections) ?
The best thing we could have done is say ‘gee, democracy is nice; ousting people from office is a no-no’ and then just let the elections happen–basically, we (Obama) handled things about as good as they could have been done. (yes, the Honduran people deserve all the credit for actually making things run like a real democracy).
“If I could give one message to Manuel Zelaya, it would be the same question that CNN (Español) reporter Patricia Janoit asked: ‘Why not take this opportunity to show to the world your love for your country?’”
Zelaya’s actions show his love of himself and his own ambitions to be above his love of country. The fiberglass bust and statue of himself he comissioned (similar to those representing Honduran national heroes) should have been clues as to how full of himself he really is.
Latin American politicians often show more love of their political party than to the nation (kind of a tribal mentality). But for Zelaya, even this is subordinate to his own designs, as his own party memebers voted for his removal, and his stubborn refusal to back down caused a rift in the Liberal Party -and may have contributed to Nationalist Party candidate Porfirio Lobo’s sweeping electoral victory.
What amazes me (though maybe it shouldn’t) is how, after loudly advertising Zelaya’s ouster in the so-called coup, the MSM has been relatively quiet about the election results. Do they miss the Zelaya controversy… or do they miss Zelaya himself? Is it that the lack of blood on the streets makes this no longer interesting to report …or is the liberal media reluctant to report the defeat of a “rising” left-wing star?
Great article, LG. I was hoping you would post this.
our president’s attempt to force the Hondurans into a communistic dictatorship failed.
Liberals are so angry.
Hurray for the people of Honduras!!They resisted the meddlings of chavez/oblammo and took care of business.Now if we could only do the same. . .
Dr Matt @3: Your ignorance is astonishing! Obama DID
It should be pretty obvious to most interested observers that the “crisis” in Honduras was a invention of the leftist supporters of the former President in concert with much of the former main stream press.
The leftist tried to make it appear as if the country was in meltdown which was picked up by much of the lazy incompetent press.
The fact is most of the little violence and lawlessness/looting that took place was conducted by the leftist themselves as they tried to make it appear there was a crisis.
Typical tactic right out of the leftist socialist/Marxist playbook.
If there is no crisis then create one then play it up to the population and position yourself as the savior riding in to save the people from sure misfortune. The left has been doing this act for decades.
The election was an obvious success to all but the pathetic former president and the likes of the Chavez followers.
Like always the left foretold a minefield of dangers for those daring to exercise their right to vote. Yes there was a crisis brewing and voters would be attacked because of the wide spread dissent and the voters should stay at home where they could be safe…don’t go forth and vote, don’t vote…
Well once again the people proved the leftist propagandist to be wrong and exposed them for the liars they are.
And through all this B.S. the Honduran people went on about their lives letting the rule of Law guide the process like it was intended, ignoring the pressure being placed upon them from the misguided international community and holding open free elections as planned.
The Hondurans are the winners here. They showed the rest of the world what is meant by the Rule of Law. They are the shining example of freedom and democracy in the world today.
History will be very kind to Roberto Micheletti as he showed incredible strength and wisdom by putting Honduras first. He is a man of principals, but this victory for The Republic of Honduras could never have succeeded without the help and support of the Honduran people.
I only hope that someday America can again show the same grit and determination that the people of República de Honduras has shown the rest of the world…
Just echoing Dan’s thanks to you LG.
Also don’t over look this one linked in LG’s article.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=YjVjYjU0YjIzYjc5ZjRmNjYyNzc3ZGQ3MGE2MTU4YjA=
good work!
The Honduras people joined together in pray for their nation, and they received an extraordinary event manifesting a supernatural act of God.
Viva Honduras!!!
Thanks for the comments, folks. I was a little late posting the photos I took during the day. You can find them here.
Right now I’m watching the coverage of the Congressional meeting to decide Zelaya’s fate. Hopefully this will be another great day for Honduras.
The U.S. State Department says Sunday’s presidential election in Honduras was a significant, but insufficient step, to end to political crisis that began there in June with the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. U.S. officials are stopping short of recognizing opposition candidate Porfirio Lobo as the country’s next president.US Calls Honduras Election Significant but Insufficient Step to End Political Crisis
What a shame that Team 44 does not trust the Hondurans to do what is right for Honduras.
I am relieved that a just outcome has been the result of this sorry episode.
The actions of the Obama administration have been disgraceful…. not that using such words is at all adequete to express how dangerous this maniac is and his utter contempt for the Rule of Law and Republicanism.
I’m watching the congressional meeting to decide whether or not to restore Zelaya. I’ll be posting as it happens.
La Gringa’s Blogicito
“The U.S. State Department says Sunday’s presidential election in Honduras was a significant, but insufficient step, to end to political crisis that began there in June with the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya. U.S. officials are stopping short of recognizing opposition candidate Porfirio Lobo as the country’s next president.”
To be certain, the current people sitting at the White House and the State Department, are NOT represenative of America, the American people or our unending support of the pursuit of freedom. We look forward to the day when they too shall be kicked aside and the rule of law written within the framework of OUR constitution is upheld against all enemies, both foriegn and especially domestic.
God bless Honduras.
To hell with castro, chavez and obammy
DH
Obama and the State Department are, I suppose, disappointed that freedom won out. Disgusting. Hopefully, in 2012 we can regain our freedoms and send these “impostors” on their way.
While Ahmadinejad stole the Iranian elections, and thousands braved beatings or bullets to protest on the steets of Tehran, Obama sat idly by, content to simply “monitor” the situation, and insist the U.S. had no right to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs. Yet now, after a free and fair Honduran election, where the will of the people was loudly made clear, the State Department refuses to recognize Porfirio Lobo as president-elect?? In what diseased mind does one -in the name of US interests or ideals- accept an enemy as the illegitimate ruler of Iran, while rejecting an ally who legitimately won his election as president of Honduras??
Obama’s foreign policy can be summarized in one word: appeasement. Thus, we sacrifice those who should be our friends, in order to appease our enemies. The same can be seen in our policies regarding the Poles/Czechs vs. the Russians, the Israelis vs. the Arabs, or the Cuban dissidents vs. Fidel. Unfortunately, this sacrificial foreign policy will leave us with fewer friends and bolder enemies.
I don’t consider myself an expert on this election, but this video helped me understand the aftermath a little better. http://www.newsy.com/videos/outcry_over_election_in_honduras
This is one of the happyest events in memory. We are dealing with this leftist up here in the US as you had your own down there. Good news is difficult to come by up here at present. The Honduran people and leaders have encouraged us very much. We were aware of your trials there and supporting you with our hopes and prayers. Thank you so much for your courage and commitment to freedom and your law.
Honduras will be used and referred to as an example by us in resisting the left up here in the US. God bless you.
“In what diseased mind does one -in the name of US interests or ideals- accept an enemy as the illegitimate ruler of Iran, while rejecting an ally who legitimately won his election as president of Honduras??”
Please see the grouping of communists in # 16.
obammy is a traitor, those who support him are enemies of freedom.
He will seek chavez’s help when our military refuses to intervine to save him.
2012 can not come soon enough.
My apologies for my truncated post @8 (kids!).
As I was saying to Dr. Matt @3, obama did, in fact send people to Honduras to strong-arm Interim President Micheletti into abandoning the Honduran Constitution! They did sanction Honduran officials by revoking their visas! They threatened to withhold (if not actually doing so, I don’t recall reading that) a substantial financial package! All in order to bully a sovereign nation, “force things” as you said. That’s exactly what they attempted to do. BUt the Hondurans told him to pound sand! I’m secular as heck, but God bless ‘em!
It’s disturbing that these bums were meddling in Honduras’ affairs in a manner that should be reserved for rogue nations, Nations which the administration would only monitor.
It was, I beleive, nothing more than fellow travellers looking out for one another.
out
Way to go Honduras! Good to see them moving forward as they should. I look forward to hearing your report on how the vote goes on whether or not to reinstate Zeleya tomorrow!
God Bless Honduras and congratulations. Hopefully Zelaya will be put down once and for all.
Reading her blog it appears that they have voted against Zelaya. Well done, it is a pity that the world refused to stand with you.
Final Honduras congressional vote:
111 voted not to restore Zelaya
14 voted for.
Clear enough?
looks like the same mood as in Israel
let us hhope we got rid of zelaya for good
of course ,lefists won’t be happy till this troll is reinstated ,whatever the voters did.
Once again, the rule of law, constitutional democracy, love of country, and love of freedom, won out.
I respect & admire the people of Honduras who stood tall, voted, and who have provided the opportunity for their nation to move forward with dignity & respect.
While some may knock a constitution, the real truth is, without one, the people lose their freedoms. We are told Obama once said our constitution was oppressive. I say, w/o it, we would have been a much more oppressive nation & that constitution is why we have made any progress at all. The same will hold true in Honduras.
2. ExPat: I’ve been to Honduras many times over the years…
I have not ever been to Honduras… but living in the Soviet Socialist Oligarchy of California… I’m tempted to move there