Honduras presidential elections on Sunday

(Vatican Radio) Hondurans go to the polls on Sunday to choose a President, with the memories of a coup fresh in their minds - in June 2009, Manuel Zelaya was ousted from the presidency of Honduras by a military coup.

Four months later, in an election recognised by Washington but not by most Latino nations, Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo was elected to the top job. At that time, a resistance movement was established, led by Zelaya's wife Xiomara Castro, which evolved into the Libre Party, for which Ms Castro is now the presidential candidate.


Another principal candidate for the top job is Juan Orlando Hernandez of the ruling National Party, who is the former President of Congress and who steadfastly supported the coup.


Unlike many other nations in the Americas, Honduras does not require an absolute majority, which often leads to a second round run-off. The winner is the person who gains the most votes.


Law and order is an ever-present major issue in this campaign. Honduras now has the highest murder rate per capita in the world. The flagging economy also needs major impetus. A poll shows that 80% of those questioned say they're worse off than they were four years ago.


Listen to James Blears' report: