Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza cautioned about indications that, in her view, endanger the constitutional stability before the elections slated for November 30. Amid significant institutional polarization, the congresswoman urged the leading opposition parties to counter what she perceives as a plan by the ruling party to strengthen its control outside of democratic processes.
Warning signs in the conduct of the electoral process
During a public address, Espinoza alleged that the governing party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), was initiating measures to dominate the electoral system in order to retain their position of authority. She highlighted her major worries by mentioning the potential tampering with the National Electoral Council (CNE), an organization presently entangled in controversies regarding the unfilled seat of councilor Ana Paola Hall.
According to the legislator, there is an attempt by the ruling party to install a friendly majority in the CNE, which could compromise the transparency of the general elections. She also denounced the existence of deliberate obstacles in the organization of the elections, which, she said, could affect both their conduct and their results.
In the judicial sphere, Espinoza argued that the Public Ministry’s inaction in response to allegations involving figures from the ruling party reinforces a perception of impunity. The lack of investigations, she argued, weakens institutional checks and balances and exacerbates the imbalance between the branches of government.
Invitation to opposition groups and specific suggestions
Given this scenario, Espinoza encouraged the heads of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to remain steadfast in upholding democratic values. He urged them in his statement to resist any institutional reversals or the abandonment of constitutional rights under the guise of achieving consensus.
As immediate measures, he proposed the urgent election of Hall’s replacement in the CNE to ensure the electoral body’s operational capacity. He also advocated extending the deadline for implementing the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), a key mechanism for strengthening the credibility of the vote count.
Espinoza emphasized the need for honest dialogue, but stressed that this should not involve concessions that weaken the current legal framework. In her view, the defense of democratic order is a responsibility shared by all political and social sectors of the country.
A climate of growing institutional tension
The congresswoman’s statements come amid a prolonged paralysis of the National Congress, which has been the scene of disputes over the composition of the CNE and the election of new authorities for the Public Ministry. The lack of agreement has slowed down key decisions for the functioning of strategic institutions, increasing uncertainty surrounding the upcoming electoral process.
This context reflects the difficulties faced by the Honduran political system in resolving its differences within the institutional framework. With just a few months to go before the elections, questions remain about the impartiality of the electoral bodies, the performance of the justice system, and the real willingness of political actors to guarantee a free and transparent process.
Espinoza’s cautionary note, despite being expressed in adversarial language, underscores the strains impacting the nation’s institutional framework. The direction followed by the electoral process in November will be crucial in assessing the robustness of the democratic system and the government’s capacity to maintain its authenticity amidst increasing indications of conflict.
