Brussels says it is ready to deepen cooperation, while observers and opposition figures call for full transparency after a delayed count.
The European Union has congratulated Nasry Asfura on his election as President of Honduras, after the National Electoral Council proclaimed the final results of the 30 November 2025 vote. The EU says it wants to work with the incoming administration on shared priorities, as questions about the length and credibility of the counting process remain part of the political debate.
EU statement follows proclamation of results
In a statement issued on 25 December, the EU said Hondurans turned out in large numbers and noted that the elections were observed by “a full-fledged EU Election Observation Mission.” The EU added that it “congratulates Nasry Asfura on his election as President of Honduras,” and said it looks forward to working with his administration.
The EU’s message comes after a “long and protracted process” to finalise the vote, as the National Electoral Council (CNE) confirmed the outcome following technical problems and extensive manual counting, according to reporting by Reuters.
What the EU observers said on election day
The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) offered an early assessment on 2 December, describing a vote day that was generally peaceful and procedurally orderly, while warning of “significant challenges” to be addressed for future electoral processes.
According to the EU EOM press release on its preliminary findings, 138 observers from 26 EU Member States—plus Norway and Canada—visited hundreds of polling stations and observed both voting and counting. The mission said it would remain in-country through tabulation and the completion of the process.
For background on how EU observation missions fit into the bloc’s wider democracy and human-rights toolbox, see this earlier explainer from The European Times’ coverage of EU policy on election support.
Disputes over the count, and what happens next
International reporting described a narrow margin and a count affected by system problems and disputes among political actors. Reuters reported that Asfura was declared the winner with about 40.3% to 39.5% for Salvador Nasralla, with the ruling LIBRE party’s candidate finishing third, and that a significant share of tally sheets required manual processing.
Nasralla rejected the declaration and argued that ballots had been excluded, while urging supporters to remain calm, Reuters said. The agency also reported that the head of Honduras’ Congress rejected the results and that the decision was endorsed by a majority within the electoral authority, amid visible institutional disagreement.
Asfura is due to take office on 27 January 2026 for the 2026–2030 term, according to Reuters.
Brussels’ decision to congratulate the president-elect—while emphasising observation and institutional process—signals an intention to stabilise relations and move quickly to practical cooperation. At the same time, the EU had already urged transparency, credibility and inclusiveness ahead of the vote in a separate EEAS statement dated 18 November 2025.
For Hondurans and international partners alike, the key question now is whether institutions can rebuild confidence—through clear procedures, accountable tabulation, and the resolution of any legal or political challenges—without undermining civic trust or fundamental rights.
