In Honduras, parties flag fears of fraud ahead of pivotal vote

FILE PHOTO: Xiomara Castro, presidential candidate for the opposition Libre Party, addresses supporters during the closing rally of her electoral campaign in San Pedro Sula, Honduras November 20, 2021. REUTERS/Yoseph Amaya/File Photo

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Warnings of potential foul play are flying from all sides ahead of Sunday's presidential election in Honduras, raising fears of possible disputes and unrest if leading challenger Xiomara Castro does not win by a clear margin.

The charged political atmosphere reflects memories of the disputed 2017 election, which the ruling National Party won after a delayed count and that the Organization of American States said was riddled with irregularities before calling for a fresh vote.