Conservatism Wins in Honduras

Porfirio Lobo y Elvin Santos

Conservative politician Porfirio Lobo headed toward victory on Sunday in the Honduran presidential election, which many hoped could help the country emerge from the crisis caused by last summer’s coup and end its isolation.

With more than 63% of the ballots counted, Mr. Lobo, who owns one of the country’s largest farms, carried 60 percent of the vote in a commanding lead over his opponent, Elvin Santos, who had about 38 percent.

The crisis generated by Manuel Zelaya has divided Honduran society between those who support the restoration of the president and those who believe the crisis was the only recourse against a populist president who opponents say planned to remain in power beyond his term.

The turmoil in this tiny country has also had repercussions far beyond Central America, posing a headache for the Obama administration’s policy in Latin America.

From its first condemnation of the “coup” and its refusal to recognize the de facto government, the administration has argued that it supported Mr. Zelaya’s return.

But the government that took power here has always intended to hang on until the election, which was scheduled long before the turmoil began.

Washington rightly shifted position this month and stood up for freeedom when it said that it was likely to recognize the election results.

The de facto government has finally convinced Hondurans and the international community that the elections are legitimate.

The Organization of American States, the Carter Center and the European Union did not send observers. The United Natione withheld election support.

Facts and data show that Honduran people want to have a president who respects the Constitution.

This elections will show what Hondurans want and how they vote in freedom.

The Americano / Agencies