2008 Primary Elections

Tropical Storm  

Heavy rains in September and October 2008 caused flooding and landslides in Honduras. Based on the government estimates on 6 November 2008, 34 people were killed and 17 were missing, while rains affected some 270 000 people. The damage and losses amounted to an estimated 154 million USD (LADB Staff 2008). In response to the disaster, the Government of Honduras declared a state of emergency on 19 October. Additionally, the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team was deployed from 22 October to 9 November (Granath & Lundkvist 2009; OCHA report 2008). The impact of the rains was exacerbated by hurricane Paloma, which made landfall in Honduras on 6 November. As a result, the total number of casualties rose to at least 60 (United Nations 2008). 

Impact on the Electoral Process  

The primaries to elect candidates for the presidency and vice-presidency, the Central American Parliament, the National Congress as well as local positions were initially scheduled for 16 November 2008, with general elections planned for 29 November 2009 (OAS 2008). However, flooding and mudslides prevented the military from fulfilling its logistical responsibilities related to the elections. Consequently, the primary elections were postponed until 30 November 2008 (GAO report 2011). While the Supreme Electoral Tribunal originally called for primary elections for the five legally registered political parties, only the Liberal Party and the National Party participated in the end (OAS 2008).