Both sides claiming victory in Honduras presidential vote

By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN
Associated Press

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) — Honduras’ dominant political parties have both declared their candidates victorious in presidential elections despite electoral officials’ orders, while at some polling sites voters remained in line as crowds tussled over when to cut off voting. From their official accounts, the conservative National Party and leftist Liberty and Re-foundation party, announced that their respective presidential candidates, Nasry Asfura and Xiomara Castro, had won. Late Sunday, the electoral council announced the first preliminary results which showed Castro at 53% support and Asfura at 34%, with 16% of voting stations counted. Castro’s election night headquarters exploded in cheers when the council announced the preliminary figures.