TEGUCIGALPA – In a move that has stirred the political landscape in Honduras, the Trump administration has imposed visa restrictions on two prominent leftist election officials. The U.S. government accuses them of meddling in the country’s special vote count process, a critical juncture in the electoral proceedings.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced the revocation of Mario Morazán’s visa, a magistrate serving on the Electoral Justice Tribunal. Additionally, Marlon Ochoa, a member of the National Electoral Council, had his visa application denied. Both officials are affiliated with Honduras’ ruling LIBRE party, known for its leftist ideologies.

The State Department’s statement was firm, declaring, “The United States will not tolerate actions that undermine our national security and our region’s stability.” The statement further emphasized a commitment to taking all necessary measures against those obstructing the Honduran vote count.

The political tension in Honduras remains high as, nearly three weeks post-election, the outcome of the presidential race is still uncertain. Due to the minimal vote difference between the top contenders, electoral authorities have embarked on a special review of 2,792 ballot boxes suspected to contain inconsistencies. This special count finally commenced on Thursday after a lengthy delay.

As of now, with 99.85% of the votes tallied, Nasry Asfura of the National Party, who enjoyed the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump prior to the election, holds a slight lead with 40.24% of the votes. Close on his heels is Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party, garnering 39.64%. The backing of Asfura by Trump has sparked allegations of electoral interference from his adversaries, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama.

In a distant third place is the ruling party’s candidate, Rixi Moncada of Liberty and Refoundation, with 19.12% of the vote. Moncada has not recognized the results.

This is the latest example of the Trump administration weighing in on Honduran affairs throughout the election. Over the past year in office, it has wielded its power in Latin America more aggressively than most U.S. governments in recent history. Trump has openly offered support and funds to right-wing allies, while applying punishing pressure to adversaries, often on the left.

Trump had also pardoned former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, sentenced last year to 45 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation by a U.S. court.