Angelica Iriarte

At the beginning of the electoral period leading to the general elections of 2025, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has implemented a strategy that has sparked inquiries within different political and social sectors in Honduras. Claims of premature manipulation and the release of polls lacking methodological backing have been recognized as essential elements of a plan intended to strengthen its party supporters and shape the electoral environment.Unsubstantiated allegations and pressure on the electoral bodyFrom various party quarters, including its presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, LIBRE has maintained that there is an alleged plan to rig the elections led by the…

A bit more than four months ahead of the general elections set for November 30, Honduras is experiencing an institutional turmoil characterized by power concentration, conflicts among state entities, and an increasing public mistrust environment. At the heart of this circumstance is Manuel “Mel” Zelaya Rosales, who is a past president and presently serves as the general coordinator for the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party. He is regarded by multiple groups as the primary political strategist for the ruling party and a significant player in determining the pre-election context.Political control and institutional apparatusSince his return to political life after the…

Slightly more than a year before the nationwide elections set for November 30, 2025, Honduras is facing a critical alert regarding the stability of its democratic framework. Experts in politics have highlighted indications of an "overt and blatant conspiracy" jeopardizing the operation of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and, as a consequence, the transparency of the electoral procedures underway.Allegations of institutional obstruction in the electoral bodyAnalyst, businessman, and former congressman Olban Valladares has associated the CNE's inactivity with intentional actions by insiders and outsiders aiming to disrupt the democratic process. In his view, conflicts among the permanent members of the…

With less than five months to go before the general elections in Honduras, the participation of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the electoral process continues to be a matter of debate. Their constitutional role is to guarantee the security, custody, and transport of electoral material, as well as the protection of polling stations, but this role is facing growing questions, fueled by recent rulings and a context of institutional mistrust.Formal declarations and official pledgesSenior 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…

In the lead-up to the 2025 national elections, the incumbent Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party is under intense scrutiny from political, business, and societal stakeholders who charge it with advancing measures that jeopardize the fairness and credibility of the election process. The claims include hindrances to crucial institutions and efforts to gain governing influence over the electoral entity.Inquiries regarding LIBRE's involvement in the National Electoral CouncilOne key point of contention has been the halt in the contracting process for the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), a crucial tool for ensuring transparency during the vote tallying. On July 7, demonstrators…

As the Honduran elections approach, Rixi Moncada, the presidential contender representing the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), has become entangled in multiple controversies concerning the administration of government assets and corruption allegations. These claims, spanning from domestic legal proceedings to international litigations, contribute to a political environment characterized by division and a lack of public confidence in institutions.Claims regarding poor handling of community fundsOne primary accusation directed at Moncada concerns the utilization of resources designated for the Secretariat of Social Development (SEDESOL), particularly within the Copán region. Recent claims suggest that public funding has been directed towards organizations associated with…

Congressman Mauricio Rivera, a former member of the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party, has launched an accusation that has ignited public debate by claiming that the party resorts to esoteric practices such as witchcraft, Santería, and occultism to maintain its political power. The statements come amid institutional tension, marked by the approaching general elections and growing mistrust between political actors and citizens.Public statement and details of the allegationsRivera made his statements on social media and in the press, asserting that LIBRE “has always resorted to Santería, witchcraft, sorcery, and the occult to achieve its goals.” The congressman maintained that…

With less than five months to go before the general elections scheduled for November 30, the political landscape in Honduras is marked by accusations against the ruling party. Various political and social actors have denounced a series of actions attributed to the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), which they claim are aimed at disrupting the electoral process, eroding institutions, and consolidating power in an authoritarian manner.Accusations of political pressure and takeover of institutionsThe latest allegations suggest that actions by organized groups associated with the governing party, referred to as colectivos, have intensified their visibility in public areas and governmental institutions.…

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is recognized as a highly respected media organization globally, frequently seen as a symbol of journalistic integrity. Despite this, its reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict is often criticized, with several groups claiming partiality. To grasp the intricate nature of these allegations, it is necessary to delve into the motives behind them and the larger context of media reporting in areas of conflict.Historical Context of the AccusationsOver the years, the Israel-Palestine conflict itself has been a contentious issue marked by deep historical, political, and cultural layers. Coverage of this conflict often attracts accusations of bias from…