Politics

The final stretch leading up to the elections comes at a particularly fragile time for Honduras. Political tensions, economic concerns, and warnings about the health of democracy mark the pre-election climate, while international analysts and US authorities keep a close eye on the process.Economic and commercial impactVarious sectors agree that the bilateral relationship with the United States, the country's main trading partner, has shown signs of weakening in the face of perceptions of political instability and contradictory messages from the government. Foreign trade analysts warn that any disruption in this relationship could have immediate effects on employment, investment, exports, and…

Public discourse has escalated as the November 30 elections draw near. Academics, civil society groups, and political figures are voicing concern about what they perceive as indications of partiality within the Armed Forces, an element that could jeopardize the institutional impartiality essential for ensuring a valid process.Signs of bias and institutional concernsAccording to experts surveyed, the armed forces, legally tasked with safeguarding electoral materials and offering security assistance during elections, have displayed behaviors that might jeopardize their impartiality. These actions cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process, particularly as the nation's democratic stability faces intense examination.National and global…

The political scene in Honduras is still intensely contested as the November 30 election approaches. Surveys consistently show Salvador Nasralla and Nasry “Tito” Asfura as the leading candidates, whereas Rixi Moncada, representing the incumbent party, trails in third place with no indication of a substantial recovery.Recent surveys indicate that both Nasralla and Asfura are attracting the attention of uncommitted voters, a group deemed crucial for influencing the ultimate result. Both contenders have increased their grassroots activities, emphasizing platforms centered on financial security, the anti-corruption effort, and administration, elements that the voting public appears to prioritize as the campaign nears its…

With less than a month to go before the general elections on November 30, the extension of the state of emergency in Honduras has raised concerns among civil society organizations, analysts, and international observers. The measure, which partially suspends constitutional guarantees, raises questions about the ability of citizens to exercise their rights on election day.The ongoing extension of this suspension primarily impacts freedom of movement, public assemblies, and other fundamental liberties. Various societal groups caution that these limitations might influence voter participation, particularly in areas where civic engagement has traditionally played a crucial role in shaping outcomes.Risks to electoral legitimacyConstitutional…

The recently released Financial Inclusion Module, part of the November 2024 Permanent Multi-Purpose Household Survey (EPHPM), offers a current overview of how the Honduran populace engages with the official financial sector. This module was a joint effort by the National Institute of Statistics (INE Honduras), the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The survey encompassed 7,250 households, representing 26,576 individuals, and delivers highly pertinent statistics concerning access, use, and financial education. This information is particularly relevant given the ongoing political discussions surrounding credit regulation.Credit utilization and its influencing elementsThe document shows that credit use…

Recent polling conducted by CBS reveals a significant divide in perceptions surrounding the recent shutdown deal reached by lawmakers. According to the results, members of the Republican Party, including former President Donald Trump, are perceived as having extracted more advantages from this political agreement. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders and their supporters argue that their party made excessive compromises throughout the negotiation process.As the country faced the impending possibility of a government closure, conversations between party leaders grew more fervent, culminating in a last-ditch agreement designed to avert interruptions to crucial governmental operations. Although the GOP seemed to secure advantageous results, Democrats…

The recent protests called by groups affiliated with the LIBRE Party under the slogan “no turning back” have generated growing concern among different sectors of Honduran society. With the general elections just weeks away, the country is facing an atmosphere marked by political polarization, institutional erosion, and public distrust of the electoral process.Thousands of supporters of the ruling party gathered at various points in Tegucigalpa on a day that, according to government spokespeople, sought to “defend the refounding of the country and protect the popular vote.” However, for broad social sectors and political analysts, these demonstrations reflect a climate of…

With the general elections just weeks away, a range of political and business groups, along with civil society organizations, have voiced apprehension regarding the perceived institutional decline in Honduras. They also fear the potential implementation of a political control model akin to Venezuela's Chavismo, which some experts have dubbed the "Venezuela Plan."Various observers maintain that this strategy would be aimed at concentrating power, affecting the independence of key institutions, and limiting the actions of private enterprise and critical media, using state resources and institutional pressure to guarantee the continuity of the ruling party's political project.Signs of institutional interventionAmong the most…

American political strategist Roger Stone, known for his closeness to former President Donald Trump, issued a warning about what he described as possible intentions by the LIBRE party to manipulate the electoral process in Honduras, sparking debate in diplomatic and political circles.In statements released in international media and on social networks, Stone asserted that “the Mel Zelaya regime seeks to follow the model of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela,” warning that Honduran democracy could be affected if transparency in the vote count and the independence of the National Electoral Council (CNE) are not guaranteed.“The United States must pay attention. Honduras could…

With less than a month to go before the general election, the presidential candidate for the LIBRE party, Rixi Moncada, is experiencing a steady decline in voting intention indicators, accompanied by an increase in public rejection, according to the latest opinion polls. Analysts attribute this phenomenon to the perception of urban and middle-class sectors regarding her discourse aimed at the country's productive sector.Financial discourse and corporate outlookMoncada's declarations regarding the necessity to "regulate and reorganize the function of national enterprises" have been perceived by numerous economic participants as a potential menace to the commercial environment. This viewpoint has sparked apprehension…