_-_copia_-_copia.jpeg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "Libertad y Refundación ante elecciones Honduras")
Slightly more than a year before the general elections in Honduras, set for November 2025, different political and social groups have raised alarms regarding what they consider as preliminary indicators of a plan possibly weakening the integrity of the electoral process. These alerts are issued by analysts, civil society entities, and international participants, who notice a range of activities by the ruling party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), that might erode public trust in the democratic procedure.
Accusations of speeches and measures that could affect the electoral process
One of the key issues highlighted is the ongoing reliance on formal declarations predicting potential fraud, while lacking substantial proof. These claims target economic circles, the press, and global players as supposed plotters against the governing party, which certain commentators interpret as an effort to foster the belief of election tampering in case of an electoral loss.
Observers note that the story appears to have two goals: first, to undermine any negative outcome beforehand and, additionally, to create an overall sense of distrust in the institutions that manage the electoral process.
Institutional conflict and inquiries regarding the election authority
A highly sensitive issue has been the position taken by LIBRE toward the National Electoral Council (CNE). Although the ruling party actively participated in the formation of this body, it is now criticizing its independence and credibility. According to critics, this strategy aims to erode the CNE’s legitimacy at key moments in the electoral calendar.
Simultaneously, there has been a rise in legal actions targeting opposition leaders, reporters, and advocates of human rights. Opposition groups view these measures as pressure strategies that might restrict public discourse and civic engagement during the pre-election period.
Alongside this, the extended implementation of the state of emergency, active since 2022 as a component of the government’s security strategy, has been a factor. Despite being defended as a measure against organized crime, it has inadvertently limited freedoms like the right to gather and travel, which has directly affected party operations and the political engagement of the populace.
Worries regarding involvement and democratic steadiness
The merging of fraud narratives, legal actions against opponents, and limitations on institutions has sparked worry among different groups regarding a potential reduction in the turnout of opposition voters. Experts suggest that this atmosphere might result in voter abstinence, indifference, or even post-election conflict if the outcome is disputed or dismissed by one of the sides involved.
The pressures are escalating while surveys indicate a drop in President Xiomara Castro’s popularity and an unfavorable stance for Rixi Moncada, the candidate of the ruling party. Within this setting, the government’s focus on potential fraud has been perceived as a strategic move in light of a challenging electoral outlook.
Demands to ensure openness and adherence to the procedure
Different organizations at both the national and international level have released statements urging the Honduran government to commit strongly to maintaining transparency in the elections. This involves adhering to the electoral schedule without changes, avoiding political interference in the electoral and judicial bodies, and acknowledging the results publicly, regardless of what they may be.
Bodies such as the OAS, the UN, the European Union, and citizen observation networks have expressed their willingness to accompany the process, while requesting that broad, early, and neutral international observation be facilitated. These actors expect Honduras to guarantee a process in which the right of citizens to freely elect their representatives is respected, without pressure or institutional conditions.
A scene characterized by unpredictability and democratic aspirations
The Honduran electoral scenario ahead of 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for the country’s institutional stability. Warnings from various sectors reflect widespread concern that the process could be influenced by political interests.
Considering the vulnerability of the democratic framework and the nation’s past instances of post-election turmoil, the primary obstacle is to establish a transparent procedure, offering assurances to all participants, which results in an outcome acknowledged by the populace. The next administration’s legitimacy will rely not just on the voting process but also on an absolute adherence to democratic principles.
