At the beginning of the electoral period leading to the general elections of 2025, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has implemented a strategy that has sparked inquiries within different political and social sectors in Honduras. Claims of premature manipulation and the release of polls lacking methodological backing have been recognized as essential elements of a plan intended to strengthen its party supporters and shape the electoral environment.
Unfounded claims and influence on the election commission
Various sectors of the party, such as their presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, have alleged that there is a supposed plot to manipulate the election outcomes by the entity in charge of conducting them. Nonetheless, these claims lack supporting evidence or official documentation presented to the relevant authorities.
Several experts view this discourse as a strategy to bolster unity within the party amid increasing political rivalry. Simultaneously, they caution that such allegations might prepare the terrain for undermining the credibility of the election outcomes in case of a loss, eroding confidence in the electoral bodies and limiting the flexibility of the entities tasked with guaranteeing the process’s transparency.
Opposition groups have highlighted that these remarks undermine the trust in the National Electoral Council (CNE) and escalate political tensions. Experts have responded by emphasizing the importance of addressing any claims of irregularities through the correct legal procedures, backed by concrete evidence.
Manipulated polls and perception of advantage
Another key aspect of LIBRE’s approach has been the spread of surveys showing their candidate in the lead, with some of these being associated with fictitious firms or refuted by the polling organizations themselves. Instances like the one involving TResearch International, which openly refuted any connection to polls that gained traction on social media, have underscored the distribution of altered information for campaign motives.
According to observers of the electoral process, the dissemination of polls lacking technical rigor seeks to instill in the public the idea of an inevitable LIBRE victory, which could influence voter behavior, generate unrealistic expectations, and undermine the credibility of legitimate studies. Furthermore, this practice exposes the fragility of the country’s information ecosystem, where digital disinformation has become a tool of political dispute.
Organizations monitoring the electoral process have warned about the impact these strategies could have on the transparency and legitimacy of the democratic process. In this regard, they have insisted on the importance of strengthening poll verification mechanisms, as well as the responsibility of political actors when disseminating data that directly influences public perception.
A voting atmosphere characterized by suspicion
The actions taken by LIBRE in the run-up to the 2025 general elections reflect an electoral landscape where trust in institutions and the rules of the democratic game is under strain. The anticipation of unfounded allegations and the use of disinformation tools disguised as polls create an environment in which polarization could increase as the electoral calendar progresses.
In this context, the challenge for the electoral authorities, civil society, and the parties themselves will be to ensure a transparent process with clear rules and equitable conditions for all political forces. The need for broad dialogue and robust observation mechanisms is key to preserving democratic stability in a country where elections have historically been a turning point in institutional life.
