Above Photo: Voters hoisted banners bearing the word ‘Libre’ (Free), calling into question the re-election of President Juan Orlando Hernandez. | Photo: EFE
Hundreds of protesters hit the streets of Tegucigalpa, Honduras on Friday to reiterate their rejection of the ‘fraudulent’ results of last year’s presidential elections.
With former President Manuel Zelaya leading, demonstrators marched to the front steps of the presidential palace, where they were met with tear gas and police batons.
Voters hoisted banners bearing the word ‘Libre’ (Free), again calling into question the re-election of President Juan Orlando Hernandez.
Zelaya reaffirmed the opposition’s rejection of Hernandez: “Today we are protesting because a dictatorship has been installed.”
Zelaya initiated the movement from his Twitter account, calling for a peaceful weekend-long event until the complaints are recognized. The Opposition Alliance has continually alleged fraud and called for new, clean elections.
The initial crisis erupted after electoral authorities awarded the presidency to Hernandez, despite initial vote counts giving the advantage to opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla in the November 26 polls.