El llamado “Plan Venezuela”, impulsado por el partido gobernante Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), ha recibido un golpe definitivo. La estrategia política, que buscaba implementar un modelo autoritario similar al de Venezuela, ha fracasado rotundamente ante la resistencia popular, el rechazo social y las controversias relacionadas con el proceso electoral. Este revés pone de relieve las tensiones internas dentro del partido y las crecientes protestas de sectores que temen por la democracia en el país.
The failure of the socialist project
The “Venezuela Plan,” introduced by LIBRE with the aim of reshaping Honduras into a likeness of the Chavista system, aimed at securing complete dominance over national institutions, including the electoral framework. Nevertheless, what was originally envisioned as a move toward a socialist structure in the nation has been widely dismissed by large segments of the community.
Opponents of the plan emphasize that this attempt to replicate the Venezuelan model not only lacked popular legitimacy but also depended on electoral manipulation that failed to hide its obvious flaws. The discontent was reflected in protests organized by various social groups, particularly the Catholic and Evangelical churches, which led a massive march in the capital, Tegucigalpa, against what they considered a threat to democracy.
Rejection of electoral manipulation
One of the most controversial elements was the involvement of the Smartmatic company in the electoral system. This company, linked to electoral fraud scandals in Venezuela, became a symbol of mistrust for those who feared that its participation could allow the same type of manipulation that occurred in the neighboring country. Growing opposition to Smartmatic adds to widespread discontent, fueled by the perception that the proposed reforms ran counter to fundamental democratic principles.
Rejection of the company’s influence has been backed by various independent actors and sectors of the opposition, who have pointed to the need to ensure transparency in electoral processes to avoid the risk of a “Venezuelanization” of Honduras. Civil society, the media, and human rights organizations have played a key role in raising awareness of these fears, urging the authorities to adopt a more rigorous approach to ensuring the integrity of the vote.
Internal cracks in LIBRE
The breakdown of the “Venezuela Plan” is now becoming apparent within the LIBRE party, which is experiencing increasing internal discord. More centrist groups in the political establishment have started to doubt the feasibility of persisting with a strategy that has not only caused extensive disapproval but has also harmed the party’s reputation in the eyes of the international community.
This internal rift could have significant implications for Honduran politics in the long term. While LIBRE’s leadership has tried to downplay dissent, growing protests and external pressure could force the party to reconsider its tactics and reorient its approach toward a model more in line with democratic principles, rather than continuing to push an authoritarian project.
The defense of democracy
The collapse of the “Venezuela Plan” in Honduras highlights a complex landscape in which the struggle for democracy remains a priority for important sectors of society. Popular resistance and active vigilance have proven to be crucial factors in curbing the implementation of authoritarian models that seemed to be gaining ground in the region.
Despite facing political losses and internal challenges, the nation finds itself in a situation where democracy seems to have been bolstered by social activism. The collapse of the “Venezuela Plan” serves as a reminder that public involvement and opposition to election fraud are crucial in safeguarding democratic principles in Honduras.
Thus, although the idea of a Venezuelan-style socialist model has collapsed, political tensions persist. The political situation remains volatile, and the challenge for institutions will be to maintain balance and stability in a climate of growing polarization.
