Honduras’ political scene is at a crucial moment, with multiple groups from civil society, opposition politicians, and journalists conveying their strong worries about what they see as an authoritarian shift by the LIBRE Party, particularly regarding the next general elections in November 2025.
Numerous measures taken by the government have alarmed Honduran society, indicating a concerning decline in democratic principles. These measures range from restricting basic civil liberties, which are vital for comprehensive citizenship engagement, to establishing mechanisms aimed at exerting increased control over the media, key players in shaping public opinion and checking governmental power.
On top of this is the view of an intentional strategy to strengthen control in different government bodies, which might lead to a dilution of the division of powers and, as a result, undermine the checks and balances essential for a robust democratic framework. The alignment of these tendencies has produced a sense of uncertainty and concern among different groups, who perceive in these measures a trend that could bring about a regime with authoritarian traits.
Challenges to basic liberties: demonstrations, media, and military
Among the actions that have generated controversy is the alleged criminalization of social protest, since there have been complaints about the promotion of laws and decrees that allow the use of force and the prosecution of citizens who demonstrate, even in peaceful protests. In this sense, there have been reports of arbitrary arrests of community leaders, disproportionate police deployments and threats of prosecution against social organizations critical of the government.
On the other hand, concern has been expressed about freedom of the press. Critical journalists and media outlets have been the target of smear campaigns, restricted access to public information, fiscal, judicial and advertising pressures, and acts of violence and physical intimidation. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have expressed their concern about the setback in press freedom in the country.
Another contentious issue is the state of the military. Allegedly, there have been attempts to selectively remove officers who are not aligned with the government’s political stance. Additionally, strategic roles and responsibilities have reportedly been reassigned to commanders who support the ruling party. These measures have sparked worries about the potential for the military institution to become politicized.
The democratic challenge in Honduras
The actions against the press and civil society are aimed at silencing dissident voices, while at the same time suggesting a broader strategy to dismantle the democratic counterweights and consolidate hegemonic power.
This has raised concerns about the implementation of a strategy which, according to analysts and opposition leaders, seeks to consolidate the power of the LIBRE Party in state institutions through institutional capture, constitutional reforms, persecution of the opposition and critical press, and the use of the state apparatus for political patronage. Attention has been drawn to the attempt to control the National Electoral Council, the nomination of figures linked to the most radical wing of the party, the attempts at constitutional reform, the creation of structures parallel to the State and the distancing from the United States.
The general elections in 2025 are considered a pivotal point for the future of democracy in Honduras. The people must choose between allowing an authoritarian model to solidify or safeguarding democratic institutions.
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