The role of the Armed Forces in the 2025 general elections faces uncertainty

With under five months remaining before the general elections in Honduras, the involvement of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the electoral proceedings remains a topic of discussion. Their constitutional duty is to ensure the security, safekeeping, and transportation of election materials, as well as the safeguarding of polling locations. However, this role is encountering increasing scrutiny, driven by recent decisions and a backdrop of institutional skepticism.

Formal declarations and official pledges

Senior army commanders have publicly reaffirmed their adherence to the constitutional principles of neutrality and support for democracy. General Roosevelt Hernández, representing the military leadership, reiterated the FF. AA.’s commitment to guaranteeing a “clean, transparent, and secure” electoral process, emphasizing the apolitical and non-deliberative nature of the military institution.

The Department of Defense has reiterated that the military will operate in accordance with the directives of the National Electoral Council (CNE), as mandated by the Constitution. Concerning this matter, during the election phase, the Armed Forces are required to detach themselves functionally from the executive branch to concentrate solely on their duty of protecting the electoral process.

Analysis of logistical shortcomings and past events

Although official announcements have been made, multiple sectors have expressed doubts about the Armed Forces’ capacity to ensure an efficient electoral process. During the primary elections conducted in March 2025, there were reports of delays lasting as long as five hours in the provision of electoral materials in major cities including San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

The operational shortcomings were blamed on the military leadership as well as the defense minister, Rixi Moncada, leading to a surge of criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Those occurrences have sparked renewed discussions regarding the military’s preparedness for election-related duties and have also raised inquiries about its impartiality. Certain experts caution that if the issues observed during the primary elections are not addressed, the November 30 event might encounter comparable challenges, potentially undermining public trust in the entities accountable for handling the democratic proceedings.

Institutional tensions and risk of politicization

The debate has also permeated the official rhetoric. Analysts note that groups aligned with the government have tried to downplay the role of the armed forces in the logistical mishaps of March, pushing a story meant to protect the reputation of the military entity. This viewpoint has surfaced alongside increasing skepticism towards the CNE, whose technical prowess and authority have been questioned regarding its management of the election schedule and its ties with the executive branch.

In this context, the role of the armed forces becomes even more delicate. Although their constitutional mandate prevents them from deliberating or intervening in political matters, public perception of their impartiality is affected by the politicization of the electoral debate. Pressure is mounting as the election date approaches, amid a climate of polarization and questioning of democratic institutions.

A trial for the authenticity of elections

The participation of the Armed Forces in the November elections represents a critical point for the legitimacy of the Honduran electoral process. Although the Constitution assigns them a clear and defined operational role, the history of logistical failures and the crisis of confidence in the electoral system place the military institution in a complex position.

In a country with high levels of political polarization and fragile democratic institutions, the performance of the armed forces during the elections could have a decisive influence on the perception of the legitimacy of the electoral results. Operational transparency and strict respect for the constitutional mandate will be key to avoiding further tensions and preserving democratic stability in a decisive election year.