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In Honduras, key figures in the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are under public scrutiny, creating a climate of political uncertainty. Former President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and National Electoral Council (CNE) advisor Marlon Ochoa face accusations that have cast doubt on their credibility and the integrity of the electoral process.
This scenario has led to a wave of disclosures and blame that intensify the crisis, bringing into focus the conduct and choices of these officials and their potential impacts on the nation’s stability, making it a prominent topic in public discussions.
Diversion of vehicles and consequences for electoral logistics
A forensic examination uncovered that Marlon Ochoa commanded the redirection of 50 government automobiles to the Military (FF. AA.) on March 8, 2025, just a day prior to the preliminary elections. Joel Ramos García, who previously coordinated the CNE Transportation Initiative, stated that Ochoa directed the vehicles to be stationed at Campo de Parada Marte to assist in verifying technological devices at the voting sites. This decision led to a lack of transportation essential for delivering election supplies, causing substantial holdups at multiple voting locations.
The document highlights unauthorized alterations in the agreement with Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where buses were used instead of cargo trucks, violating the stipulated terms for the movement of voting materials. Furthermore, it notes that the Armed Forces postponed the handover of electoral items, directing drivers to wait for extended periods at distinct locations in the Central District, hindering the on-time delivery to the polling places.
Allegations of narcotics trade and misappropriation of funds
Meanwhile, in September 2024, a report from journalists uncovered that Carlos Zelaya, Mel Zelaya’s sibling, held a meeting in 2013 with drug lords who proposed funding Xiomara Castro’s run for president. Carlos Zelaya acknowledged the encounter but refuted taking any funds and stepped down from his roles to allow investigations, just as his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was minister of defense, did. These disclosures have sparked worries about the potential penetration of narcotics trade into Honduran politics and have put a strain on relations with the United States.
En respuesta a las acusaciones contra Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya ha justificado sus acciones, culpando a los partidos Nacional y Liberal de intentar deslegitimar el proceso electoral. No obstante, estas revelaciones han suscitado críticas hacia Marlon Ochoa, con voces que piden su destitución, incluyendo a figuras políticas como la congresista Claudia Ramírez, quien considera que Ochoa no debería seguir en su cargo antes de las elecciones generales de noviembre.
Impact on electoral confidence
The recent occurrences have led to a situation of political unpredictability in Honduras, challenging the trust in institutions and the overall belief in the nation’s democratic procedures. People are observing with worry the accusations of misappropriation and the potential impact of drug trade on politics, which might threaten the legitimacy of the forthcoming national elections.
The proximity of the general elections intensifies concerns, as confidence in the impartiality and transparency of the electoral process is eroded. The ability of institutions to restore credibility and ensure fair and equitable elections has become a determining factor for the country’s democratic stability.
