Observations on the 2013 election

1)  Juan Orlando Hernandez won with 35% of the vote.  That means that the vast majority or 65% of the people did not vote for him.

2)  Honduras has traditionally been a two party system dominated by the Nationalists and Liberal parties.  Now there are four major parties including LIBRE (socialist) and PAC (anti-corruption).

3)  The Liberal party historically was the largest party in Honduras.  Now it is no. 3 (behind LIBRE).

4)  The Honduran president has normally enjoyed a majority in the congress, and has been able to easily push his agenda without much dissent.  This has now changed, and the president must now find 'partners' to work with, so there will have to be much more 'give and take'.

5)  The Honduran people want major changes in their society and country as evidenced by the election results.  The challenges are many and none are simple to resolve.  Foremost, the challenges include:  insecurity (Honduras has the highest murder rate in world),  corruption, a stagnant economy, a bankrupt government that cannot pay salaries to teachers and doctor, a massive debt burden, broken educational and medical systems, ineptitude throughout the government, and a collapsing infrastructure.  The list could go on and on.  Unfortunately, Honduras today borders on being a failed state.

In conclusion, the 2013 elections were a watershed moment and should be seen by the political establishment as a very serious 'wake-up call'.  Mr. Hernandez has only four short years in which to meet the challenge.  If he pursues business as usual, Honduras may well resort to radical change in the next election.  The people deserve more than what the traditional politicians have given them in the past.  They want to walk the streets in safety, they want a better life for their families, they want education and health care, they want greater economic equality, and above all they want opportunities and a better life for themselves and their children.

I hope and pray that JOH understands the gravity of the situation and has the determination to lead Honduras out of the despair that engulfs the nation today.