Conservative wins Honduras polls

The US has tried and failed to have Zelaya,a Leftist,reinstated and now looks resigned to backing the election as the best way for Hondurass to get out of political gridlock and diplomatic isolation.

The State Department called the vote a necessary and important step forward after results came in but did not say whether Washington would explicitly recognise Lobos victory over ruling party candidate Elvin Santos.

Brazil refuses to recognise the vote. Brazil will maintain its position because its not possible to accept a coup, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Sunday.

Lobo declared victory after electoral authorities gave him an almost unassailable lead with 55 per cent of the vote,compared to 38 per cent for Santos who conceded defeat.

A landowner,Lobo said he would ask other countries to give him recognition. We are prepared to approach them and ask them to understand that there is a government which was elected,that it is the precise will of Hondurans at the ballot box, he said.