New Delhi, Dec. 13 -- For over 30 years, Javier Gamez and Maria Barahona worked, scrimped and studied to push their family ahead. Gamez filled bags with sand from the Choluteca River winding through the Honduran capital and shined shoes in a downtown park; Barahona sold bananas and oranges from a basket.

They continued their education, becoming accountants and raising three children who are now adults on professional tracks. Working-class families like theirs formed the base of the governing Liberty and Refoundation Party, or LIBRE, a movement built on Honduras' political left in the wake of the 2009 coup that removed President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya from power.

Hondurans with limited resources launched their movement into political conten...