Leftist President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, sacked head of the Joint Chiefs General Romeo Vasquez on 24 June 2009, after he refused to support the President's call for a referendum. Zelaya wants to hold the non-binding vote on Sunday 28 June 2009 to ask Hondurans if they agree with making constitutional changes at the same time as the presidential elections, which are due to take place in November 2009. The Supreme Court ordered Zelaya to reinstate Vasquez, which Zelaya has refused to do. While Zelaya's supporters are urging onlookers that a coup d'etat is underway, his opponents claim that Zelaya is attempting re-election, which is prohibited under the current constitution.
Why is the Honduran Referendum Illegal?
Honduran Congress passed a new bill on Tuesday 23 June 2009 prohibiting the holding of referendums 180 days before or after general elections. Army chief Vasquez subsequently said that he could not support Zelaya's plan for the referendum, logistically or otherwise, because it would be illegal.
What Would the Constitutional Change in Honduras Involve?
The constitutional change President Zelaya appears to be striving for would effectively allow him to seek a second term as President. As Zelaya is unable to be re-elected under the current constitution, it would be in his interests to rewrite the rules to give him the chance of continuing his role. Following the Supreme Court ruling on 25 June ordering Zelaya to reinstate Vasquez which he refused to comply with, the President defended his stance on the matter, as reported by the Associated Press: "The court, which only imparts justice for the powerful, the rich and the bankers, only causes problems for democracy," Zelaya claimed. Furthermore, Zelaya said that the current constitution favours the Honduran elite, despite the fact that 70% of the country's population is poor (Associated Press).
Is a Coup D'Etat Really Underway or is Zelaya Acting in Self-Interest?
While Zelaya's opponents maintain that the President is acting solely so that he can stay in power, his backers are warning that a coup d'etat is in progress and that there is a possibility that the military will move–in to take the political control of Honduras away from him.
Castro and Chavez support Zelaya
Both former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, are publicly supporting President Zelaya. Zelaya has also garnered a following of civic and labor organizations, who believe the current President can help to give them a voice under more egalitarian governance.
An investigation is reportedly underway to ascertain the impact Zelaya's refusal to follow the Supreme Court's orders will have on the rule of law in Honduras. Meanwhile, the military has deployed hundreds of troops in the capital city, Tegucigalpa, stating it wants to prevent any disturbance that may be caused by President Zelaya's supporters (BBC News).
Sasha Arms - After graduating from university with a degree in Geography, Sasha became Managing Editor and Travel Editor of Futurespace Magazine. She ...
