Honduras’ State of Emergency and Curfew – December 1, 2017

On December 1, 2017, the government of Honduras declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in response to escalating protests across the country. These protests erupted following the contentious presidential election, which took place on November 26, 2017. The crisis emerged amidst allegations of electoral fraud, generating widespread public outcry and demands for electoral transparency.

Context and Background

In the lead-up to the election, President Juan Orlando Hernández sought re-election, a move that was controversial due to previous constitutional bans on re-election. Prior to Hernández’s pursuit of a second term, the Supreme Court of Honduras had controversially lifted these restrictions, polarizing the political atmosphere.

The Election and Disputed Results

Initial results seemed to suggest an emerging victory for the opposition candidate, Salvador Nasralla, a television personality and the figurehead of the opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship. However, a sudden halt in the vote count and subsequent resumption with reversed trends led to Hernández overtaking Nasralla, triggering accusations of fraud and manipulation.

The Crisis and Government’s Response

Widespread protests ensued, with demonstrators blocking roads, clashing with security forces, and engaging in mass rallies demanding fair counting and transparency. The protests often turned violent, prompting the government to take drastic measures.

To curb the unrest, President Hernández’s administration declared a ten-day state of emergency and enforced a nationwide curfew. The curfew restricted movement from 6 PM to 6 AM and authorized security forces to “guarantee safety.”

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The government’s crackdown and the introduction of the curfew were criticized by international observers and human rights organizations. These events led to intensified scrutiny of Honduras’ democratic processes and the role of governmental institutions in safeguarding or undermining electoral integrity.

The dispute remained unresolved for weeks, further leading to tensions both domestically and internationally. The 2017 election and subsequent governmental response underscored the fragile state of democracy in Honduras, highlighting the critical need for electoral reforms and strengthened democratic institutions in the country.

This event is a stark reminder of the pivotal role fair elections play in maintaining democratic legitimacy and the potential consequences when electoral processes are perceived to be compromised.