Honduras Holds Tight Presidential Election Amid Trump Influence

Hondurans cast ballots Sunday for a new president in a closely contested election overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump's endorsement of one candidate and his announcement of a pardon for a convicted former leader, raising concerns about external influence in the Central American nation's politics.

Polling stations across Honduras opened amid reports of some delays, but officials described the voting as largely smooth. Voters not only chose a successor to President Xiomara Castro but also selected members of a new Congress and hundreds of local officials, including mayors and city councilors. The National Electoral Council extended hours at some sites by up to one hour with party agreement and required stations to remain open until everyone in line had voted. Preliminary results were expected late Sunday, with a final tally possible within 30 days. More than 4,000 Honduran and international observers monitored the nearly 6,000 polling places nationwide.

Polls showed a tight race among three frontrunners out of five candidates. Rixi Moncada, who served as finance and defense secretary under Castro, represents the social democratic Liberty and Refoundation Party. She pledged...