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Bombs go off nearly every night in the capital here, sending a distinct warning to all who hear the loud booms: Vote at your own risk.

Hondurans take to the polls Sunday to choose a president -- and to end a crisis. But as three top candidates vie to become the leader of this Central American nation of 7.3 million people, the nighttime explosions serve as a treacherous reminder that the last man who was elected president is still holed up at the Brazilian embassy demanding answers.

"The future of this country is at stake," said Luisa Willingham, director of the Tegucigalpa Chamber of Commerce. "The country is at a standstill. We have never had so many protests, and people don't want to leave their houses. We are obligated as Hondurans to have the best elections...