Honduras: reform proposal to limit military interference

The reputation of the Honduran Armed Forces as protectors of the voting process has become a heated topic of public discourse after the primary elections conducted on March 9, 2025. Multiple social groups and opposition parties have voiced worries regarding a range of logistical issues, especially concerning the allocation of voting materials in major cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, where delays reaching up to twelve hours were noted in the delivery of ballot boxes. This situation caused extended queues of voters, public demonstrations, and an overall sense of frustration, noticeable both at voting locations and across social networks, where pictures and accounts highlighted the lack of materials and the limited presence of staff at the polling sites.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) admitted publicly to the challenges in distribution, blaming unexpected alterations in transportation, switching from trucks to buses, which disrupted the coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the CNE tried to manage the situation and find the misplaced ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, particularly in the capital, where extending voting hours did not satisfy the citizens eager to cast their votes.

Questions about the role of the armed forces in the electoral process

In this scenario, the military forces reaffirmed their dedication to democracy and electoral transparency, promising to adhere to the timeline set by the electoral commission. Meanwhile, the government fully backed the armed forces, emphasizing their importance in security and election logistics. Nonetheless, the president of the electoral commission, Cossette López, mentioned that the military did not take accountability for the delays and noted incidents of verbal confrontation by the leader of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Roosevelt Hernández. This institutional friction between the electoral commission and the military heightened worries about the fairness and effectiveness of the election process planned for November 2025.

The legal structure in Honduras, notably Article 272 of the Constitution, assigns the Armed Forces the duty of ensuring the transition of power and handling the protection, movement, and oversight of election materials, in collaboration with the CNE. Nonetheless, explicit restrictions are set for the Armed Forces members, such as meddling with the roles of the Voting Reception Boards, influencing voting, engaging in political activities, or needlessly delaying the movement of election materials. Despite these limitations, the existing institutional setup continues to position the military as defenders of democracy, a situation that is not common worldwide and, according to some evaluations, highlights the nation’s instability and the limited quality of its democratic processes.

Suggestions for changes and discussions on military involvement

Following recent developments, calls have increased for constitutional changes aiming to reduce or remove the Armed Forces’ involvement in elections. Juan Carlos Barrientos, a constitutional attorney, emphasized the importance of transferring election responsibilities to civilian authorities, insisting that these activities should be entirely managed by them. Additionally, Congressman Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) introduced a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, intending to limit military involvement in election affairs and to bolster civilian agencies. Nevertheless, this proposal has sparked diverse reactions, even within his own party and among opposition factions, who see it as a move by the governing party to consolidate power.

The debate over military participation in electoral processes has been fueled by the perception that the autonomy of the CNE could be at risk and by the history of military intervention in Honduran political life. Organizations such as the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have suggested that the reform of Article 272 should be accompanied by a broader redefinition of the functions of the Armed Forces, delimiting their powers and strengthening civilian control over the military institution. Proposals also include strengthening the Ministry of Defense and reviewing the National Defense Legislative Commission, with the aim of moving toward effective democratic control and reducing military influence in politics.

The discussion on the role of the Armed Forces in the Honduran elections continues to be a central issue on the political agenda, with calls for reforms to ensure the independence and transparency of the electoral process. Confidence in the integrity of the electoral system is considered fundamental to the country’s democratic stability, and the current debate reflects the need to strengthen civilian institutions and guarantee free and transparent elections.