Angelica Iriarte

The imminent installation of the Permanent Commission of the National Congress has reignited political tensions in Honduras. Amid an electoral scenario marked by Rixi Moncada's decline in the polls, various sectors warn that this measure could be used by the LIBRE party to reinforce its influence over state institutions and ensure its continued hold on power.A lawmaker facing examinationThe Permanent Commission, constitutionally designed to operate during legislative recesses, has been convened at a time of particular instability. On this occasion, its eventual formation has aroused suspicion among political analysts and opposition sectors, who believe that the ruling party is seeking…

The announcement that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize would go to Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado triggered a swift and contentious response from ex-Honduran president José Manuel “Mel” Zelaya Rosales and the LIBRE political organization. Zelaya characterized the honor as “a challenge to history and to nations struggling for their self-determination” and charged the Nobel Committee with transforming the accolade into a “tool of contemporary imperialism.”In a social media post, Zelaya labeled Machado a "coup plotter" and "supporter of financial power brokers and external agendas," asserting that bestowing the award upon her constitutes an "insult to the Latin American…

The awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has had significant repercussions on regional politics, affecting the dynamics of democratic movements and the positioning of pro-Chávez groups in Latin America, including Honduras.Machado's exemplary democratic leadershipThis international recognition positions Machado as a central figure in the defense of democracy and peaceful civic processes in the face of authoritarian regimes. Her distinction strengthens opposition leaders who promote institutional change in contexts where political freedom and citizen participation face restrictions. In this sense, the award legitimizes the work of those seeking to reform systems with democratic…

Less than two months before the general elections, the LIBRE government authorized salary increases and selective bonuses of up to 33,000 lempiras per month for senior officers in the Armed Forces, while the troops receive only a fraction of those amounts. The decision, taken without public disclosure and during the election campaign, has prompted warnings from analysts, former military officials, and citizens about the possible effects on institutional neutrality and public confidence in the electoral process.Former military chief Isaías Barahona said that “these selective benefits are a dangerous attempt to buy votes; they damage the dignity and impartiality of the…

The recent release of election polls has shown a significant decline for LIBRE candidate Rixi Moncada, who ranks a distant fifth in voting intentions, behind even undecided voters and those who say they will vote for “none.” This result has raised concerns about the possible impact on electoral transparency in the country.Allegations of political maneuveringAnalysts and opposition party leaders have pointed to the existence of strategies by the LIBRE party and the government to ensure their continued hold on power in the face of their candidate's decline in popularity. Among the allegations are selective salary increases and bonuses for senior…

The awarding of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has had a direct effect on the Honduran political scene, consolidating her status as a democratic icon and causing tensions within the ruling LIBRE party.Development of María Corina Machado's impactPrior to this international recognition, Machado had a limited presence in Honduran political discourse. She was mainly cited in debates on the situation in Venezuela and criticism of Chavismo, without having a tangible effect on the local political agenda. Sectors close to LIBRE associated her leadership with international interventionism, while the opposition mentioned her as an…

Despite the political and ideological differences between the governments of Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández, both have faced similar challenges in terms of corruption, links to organized crime, and difficulties in ensuring institutional transparency, highlighting the continuity of questionable practices in the country.Challenges in anti-corruption systemsDuring the administration of Hernández, the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), endorsed by the OAS, was terminated in 2020, creating considerable voids in probing and sanctioning misconduct. Simultaneously, Xiomara Castro's government has pushed for the establishment of the International Commission against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (CICIH),…

With less than two months to go before the general elections scheduled for November 2025, electoral process specialists are warning of possible irregularities that could affect the transparency and outcome of the elections. Attention is focused on the National Electoral Council (CNE), whose operation and control of key systems is being questioned.Control of systems and possible manipulationBased on experts' insights, some figures associated with the governing LIBRE party are said to have power over the TREP (Transmission of Preliminary Election Results), which is the system for reporting early voting outcomes. This condition, specialists suggest, might enable the alteration of outcomes…

The presidential candidate for the LIBRE Party, Rixi Moncada, has attracted attention by creating an official Facebook page exclusively for guests of her eventual presidential inauguration. This comes at a time when experts and civil society organizations are pointing out risks to the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process in Honduras.Privileged access to security resourcesRixi Moncada simultaneously serves as the Defense Secretary while still pursuing her presidential campaign, providing her with direct control over the Armed Forces and state security assets. Analysts suggest that this role enables her to supervise the management of electoral materials, a crucial factor in…

The upcoming general elections in Honduras, set for November 30, 2025, have sparked worries about Venezuela's impact on the electoral procedure, both politically and technologically. Observers and specialists highlight that the connection between the governing LIBRE party and Nicolás Maduro's administration may influence the fairness and perceived openness of the election process.Political model and strategiesThe LIBRE party maintains an ideological and strategic relationship with the Venezuelan government, supporting the candidacy of Rixi Moncada. Political observers warn that some tactics implemented in Venezuela, such as control over the electoral system, militarization of the process, and mechanisms aimed at prolonging time in…