Peter Welch: “On November 30, the people of Honduras will choose their next President and members of the National Congress. The stakes…”

“On November 30, the people of Honduras will choose their next President and members of the National Congress. The stakes could not be higher. I am deeply concerned both about the integrity of the elections and the ongoing problems of corruption and impunity in the country. Given Honduras' history of fraudulent elections and the failure of the current government to take steps to ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent, it is incumbent on the Organization of American States, the United States, and other interested parties provide the support and observers necessary to mitigate opportunities for fraud. All candidates must be able to compete safely and fairly, and the Honduran people must be ensured the opportunity to cast their ballots in safety and without intimidation. Unfortunately, there are already reasons to question the government's commitment to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Honduras' Attorney General's office has reportedly increasingly acted to influence and undermine the autonomy of the National Electoral Council, a cornerstone of free and fair elections.”