Voluntary service near in Honduras

In a sudden about-turn, Oswaldo Ramos Soto and leading members of the National Party came out against ratification, as did a leader of the opposition PINU party. This led to loud cries from many circles, including many who had voted for the Nationalists on the basis of their campaign promise to end obligatory military service. Most of Honduras' major press rallied against the announcement. Three municipalities, including Saba and Tocoa, held official referenda on the question of ratification on 19 March; more than 95 per cent voted to end the draft.

Later that same week, the National Party reversed its apparent decision to oppose ratification. Ramos Soto said that his earlier comments had been misunderstood by the liberal press and that he had never come out against ratification. While indicating its support for the move, the National Party called for a significant increase in the military budget in order to increase the salary of the soldiers.

With both the Liberal and Nationalist parties supporting ratification, many Hondurans are more confident that a constitutional amendment establishing voluntary military service will be accepted later this year.