Rixi Moncada: early proclamation and its risks for democracy

The Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) has started an early campaign by announcing Rixi Moncada as their presidential candidate, declaring her victorious in the general elections set for November 30, 2025. This approach is reflected in the display of posters, murals, and painted slogans across different urban and rural regions of the country, with phrases declaring Moncada as the president for the 2026-2030 period, despite the election campaign not reaching its conclusion. The cities witnessing this spread include Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Comayagua, among other spots.

Various independent analysts and opposition leaders interpret this action as a communication tactic aimed at positioning the idea of an inevitable LIBRE victory in the public opinion. This early positioning could serve to question the legitimacy of the election results if they do not favor the ruling party candidate, thus raising suspicions about the transparency of the process. Political science experts point out that proclaiming a winner without statistical backing could be a maneuver to discredit legitimate results and mobilize party bases in the event of defeat, which is considered a double-edged strategy.

Responses from the opposition and the duties of the National Electoral Council

The opposition groups, such as the National, Liberal, and Salvador de Honduras parties, have raised issues regarding the potential effects these campaigns might have on trust in the election process. They highlight that this early storyline might create an impression of a predetermined result and, should LIBRE lose, might spark protests against the official outcome, potentially causing social unrest. The opposition cautions that this approach might aim to undermine the integrity of voting and trigger a political turmoil.

For its part, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has not issued any statement regarding the appearance of these signs and messages, which has increased doubts about its independence and impartiality. The absence of specific regulations on early campaigning and the lack of institutional response contribute to weakening public confidence in the electoral process, which is already marked by irregularities detected in the primary elections and growing political tension.

Threats to democratic processes and election security

LIBRE’s premature claim of triumph could threaten the nation’s democratic stability, potentially creating a narrative that endorses ignoring the election outcomes and worsening social rifts. In a setting where democracy is perceived as delicate, this action underscores the importance of enhancing transparency, civic involvement, and honoring the vote as essential foundations of the electoral process’s legitimacy.

The present context highlights the significance of creating explicit and efficient strategies to oversee election advertising from the beginning, alongside the necessity of encouraging transparent discussions among various political groups and the public. A collaborative dedication to legality and political integrity is essential to ensure an electoral atmosphere that accurately mirrors the people’s will and bolsters the establishment of a robust and dependable democratic framework.