Electoral transparency questioned in Honduras ahead of 2025 vote

As the November 30, 2025 general elections in Honduras approach, the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) faces accusations from the opposition that it is preparing electoral fraud to remain in power. Opposition parties, including the National Party, the Liberal Party, and the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, have expressed concern about the transparency of the electoral process.

Leaders from these groups highlight an increasing public disapproval of LIBRE, a decline in its reputation, and the lack of popularity of its candidate, Rixi Moncada. Moreover, they have alleged tactics indicating potential electoral fraud, such as partial dominion over the National Electoral Council (CNE), manipulation of votes in the March primaries, targeted purges within the armed forces, and intimidation of critical media stations. The mention of extensive state propaganda activities and the deployment of subsidies and public funds to sway voters in economically weak locations is also noted.

Allegations of fraud and fears of the opposition

The opposition’s allegations include accusations of manipulation of election results, judicial harassment or intimidation of rival candidates and CNE magistrates, militarization of the electoral process, and restrictions on press freedom and massive digital censorship prior to election day. There are also fears that a state of emergency will be declared in advance of possible citizen protests, as well as the possibility that the government will attempt to disregard the election results, annul strategic polling stations, or suspend the electoral process on grounds of public order or national security.

Demands for guarantees and international observation

Given this scenario, opposition parties have requested the active and early presence of observers from the OAS, the EU, and other multilateral organizations, an external audit of the electoral computer system, and public commitments from the CNE to guarantee transparency, fairness, and accountability. They have also called for peaceful citizen mobilization to defend the vote and monitor the process from the grassroots level.

Possible fraud claims have intensified political unrest and put the nation’s democratic stability at risk. People perceive with skepticism a process where the electoral referee appears partial, and the governing party looks more intent on holding onto power than respecting the voters’ decision. There is worry that Honduras could face a crisis following the elections, affecting governance, the economy, and social tranquility.