Election Day

Yesterday was election day in Honduras.  It was the primaries.  The candidates will now campaign for one year.  That may seem like a long time, but I heard on the news Saturday about someone thinking about running for US president in 2016.  With that in mind, one year isn't so long.

There was a festive attitude yesterday, though many people took this privilege quite seriously.  Church attendance was definitely down as many people were at the polls.  At the polling places, there were crowds of people as there were at campaign headquarters.  There were campaign headquarters for both major parties every mile or so.  Everyone had red or blue flags flying, indicating their preference of candidates.  At places like Larach and PriceSmart, places that are normally are extremely busy on Sunday, there were few cars in the parking lot and the lines inside were short.  There is a dry law on election day.  No alcohol can be sold or consumed.  I know stores were enforcing not selling alcohol.  I am not sure how well the no consumption part was being enforced.  Last night, when I went to Ojojona, there was still people congregated  in the streets. 

In the past, there have been disturbances and riots after the elections, even the primaries.  So, just in case, school was canceled today.  I am not in Tegucigalpa, but I think all is calm today.  The kids are happy there is no school, but fussing because they still have to study for finals.

While yesterday was serious for many and festive for others, today is just another work day in Honduras.

Terri