It's Election Day 2009, and this one's been a long time coming. Mel Zelaya was removed from office June 28th, and they've successfully kept him out for five months. (And he's been holed up in the Brazilian embassy for two of those five!) Many people here hold these elections as the greatest chance for real peace and progress.
But it already comes at a price.
A couple of nights ago, a man was killed as he walked down the street. Some would claim this was random, but he just happened to be carrying a voting box. There are military and police all over to monitor the voting stations. We got an email this morning from the US Embassy warning us against threats being made against US Carriers (Delta, US, Continental, etc.) flying into Tegus today. It also said that both Honduran borders would be closed between Nicaragua and El Salvador. The scary part is, I know of at least one teacher who is scheduled to fly in today from visiting her family for Thanksgiving, and we have four teachers in El Salvador this weekend.
Zelaya's supporters, more affectionately known as "la resistencia" (the resistance) are calling for people to stay home and boycott the election. I've heard from many people who are planning to vote, but many of them are definitely scared and tense about what may happen. They also wonder if their vote will even matter or if this government that has long been known for corruption has already chosen the next leader.
It's definitely a day to pray.
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations. Psalm 33:10-11
The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;
he turns it wherever he will. Proverbs 21:1
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks be made for all men for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
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