Via the AFP: Honduras revises down participation in disputed polls
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) posted figures of 49 percent participation after two thirds of votes were counted, down from 62 percent initially given on Sunday.
At this point, the number of blank and null votes (a potential sign of serious protest to the process) appear to be in line with past patterns (although such a statement is based on still unfinished counts). In terms of a simple comparison, Matthew Shugart noted the other day that “In 2005, there were 133,351 ‘nulos’ and 55,139 ‘blancos.’”
At the moment the TSE is noting, Votos Nulo: 72,026 and Votos Blanco: 45,274.
If anything, the change from 62% turnout to 49% is not an insignificant shift. However, even 49% turnout is not going to be enough call the legitimacy of the election into question (at least not any more than has already been done). Put another way: I can’t see the number changing anyone’s mind about the situation.
