Electoral fraud in Honduras: allegations shake the LIBRE party

After the primary elections on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada became the presidential nominee for the LIBRE Party. Nevertheless, her win has sparked controversy due to accusations of voting irregularities, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty within the Honduran political landscape. Both the opposition and some party affiliates have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the outcomes, asserting that the tallies in crucial districts were altered to demonstrate significant backing for Moncada that doesn’t truly represent the party’s situation or the broader voter base.

The criticism points to an alleged media and organizational strategy to artificially construct an image of broad support for the ruling party candidate. In this context, the internal M-28 movement, close to the party leadership, has been singled out as the main culprit behind the alleged fraudulent maneuvers aimed at favoring Moncada’s candidacy. The accusations detail various irregularities, including the alteration of the counting of records in several polling stations, the artificial elevation of the results for certain pre-candidates, the exclusion of representatives of internal opposition movements during the counting and the late or incomplete delivery of electoral material.

Several advocates have even proposed that the procedure was manipulated to introduce a preselected candidate favored by the party’s executives, which they view as a violation of the democratic values of internal involvement.

Inquiries into LIBRE’s credibility and internal division

The statement from Moncada and his representatives has been to strongly deny these claims, labeling them as smear tactics directed by the conventional opposition. The LIBRE Party has emphasized the clarity of the internal process and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nevertheless, these claims have led to a noticeable split within the political organization, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Moncada’s bid for candidacy and revealing a major internal conflict.

The grievances are being voiced by local leaders, regional coordinators, and affiliates from various internal groups. These claims not only cast doubt on Rixi Moncada’s triumph but also reveal a significant divide within LIBRE, a party that has advocated for democratic involvement and openness as core aspects of its character. Failing to address these grievances with a clear and persuasive response might result in LIBRE’s base losing momentum, heightened abstention among its supporters, and diminished trust as they approach the general elections in November 2025.

Consequences in politics and caution from adversaries

Against this backdrop, the political opposition has expressed concern that the primaries may have served as a “fraud rehearsal” ahead of the November 2025 general elections. There have been warnings about a long-term strategy on the part of LIBRE to consolidate its power beyond 2026, implementing actions such as control of the legislative and judicial branches, the intention to reform the constitution through a popular referendum and the use of smear campaigns and state resources to weaken the independent press and the political opposition.

Several leaders from opposing parties caution that LIBRE’s goal might be to maintain prolonged governance of the nation, employing state resources, government messaging, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.

Civil society groups, foreign monitors, and independent news outlets have urged for increased oversight, technical assessments, and global support for the electoral proceedings in November. The primary uncertainty is if Rixi Moncada will embody a genuine majority of the populace or will stem from a political and electoral apparatus aimed at sustaining LIBRE’s control.