Honduras towards the 2025 elections: fears of political and electoral control

As the November 2025 elections near, the general elections in Honduras are generating increasing worry across different areas. The LIBRE Party appears to have a plan to centralize authority over the National Electoral Council (CNE), an essential organization for managing and overseeing the election process. At the same time, the involvement of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the elections is raising concerns, with claims of meddling during the primary elections.

The CNE, tasked with ensuring transparent and impartial elections, faces scrutiny over allegations that its substitute judges are swayed by influential political powers, especially those linked to the governing party. This situation implies the potential removal of the main council members, aiming to influence the CNE in the election management. Concerns arise about possible interference in party recognition, vote tallying, and result certification.

Potential influence over the CNE and threats to election fairness

Opposition figures voice worries over potential tampering with the CNE to secure the ongoing success of the LIBRE Party’s political agenda. There are accusations of meddling with the voter list and managing the vote tally, leading to a distrustful atmosphere. The situation worsens due to claims of internal deceit in the LIBRE Party’s primary elections, doubts about the improper handling of public resources, and overall skepticism regarding the electoral bodies.

If these warnings materialize, Honduras could face a post-electoral crisis with serious consequences for political stability. National and international organizations have urged the strengthening of the CNE’s independence and increased transparency in the electoral process. The question mark over the possibility of fair elections with an electoral body perceived as controlled generates uncertainty over the legitimacy of the future government.

Increasing concern about the involvement of the military in elections

Simultaneously, the opposition accuses the military of causing disruptions during the primaries. Allegations include postponed deliveries of voting materials, military presence causing intimidation at some voting sites, restricted entry to polling locations, and halted electoral transport in opposition regions. Observers recorded these events, sparking concerns about potential military influence over the election process.

The growing involvement of the military in civilian matters, encouraged by the ruling party, is seen as a strategy to tighten political control. This development brings into question the neutrality of the military, whose constitutional role in election security is undermined by lack of transparency and political meddling. Both the CNE and global observers are called upon to insist on impartiality and conduct strict oversight. It is cautioned that a potential partisan interference by the military might lead to a democratic crisis, casting doubt on the freedom of voting and the actions of organizations responsible for maintaining peace under political duress.