TFHO1 HONDURAN ELECTIONS SITUATION REPORT NO. 1

UNCLAS STATE 122342 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS AEMR MARR CASC HO KHLS SUBJECT: TFHO1 HONDURAN ELECTIONS SITUATION REPORT NO. 1 AS OF 1815 EST SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009 HONDURAN ELECTIONS PROCEED IN ORDERLY FASHION -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Poll workers followed procedures and voting progressed without violence or disruption, except for one incident in San Pedro Sula, where police dispersed a demonstration by election opponents. Embassy Tegucigalpa observation teams report voter turnout was heavy and enthusiastic. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal extended voting to 1700 local time. Voting centers in Washington DC, New Orleans, New York, Houston, Miami, and Los Angeles - the only locations where Hondurans can vote outside of their country - have been tranquil. (Ops/Embassy Tegucigalpa telcon, e-mails) UNOFFICIAL EXIT POLLS INDICATE SUBSTANTIAL LEAD FOR LOBO -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) National Party candidate Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo holds an estimated 58 percent to 34 percent nationwide lead over Liberal Party candidate Elvin Santos. Small party candidates have under two percent of the vote. (Ops/Embassy Tegucigalpa e-mail) NICARAGUA CLOSES BORDER NOVEMBER 28 TO NOVEMBER 30 -------------- -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The Nicaraguan government is preventing individuals from crossing over to Honduras to foment disturbance. (Ops/Embassy Tegucigalpa/WHA-CEN telcon) CLINTON