Electoral crisis in Honduras: delays, the military, and reforms

The credibility of the Honduran Armed Forces as guarantors of the electoral process has been the subject of intense public debate following the primary elections held on March 9, 2025. Various social sectors and opposition parties have expressed concern about a series of logistical irregularities, particularly in the distribution of electoral materials in key cities such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, where delays of up to twelve hours were reported in the delivery of ballot boxes. This situation led to long lines of voters, citizen protests, and a general atmosphere of frustration, evident both at polling stations and on social media, where images and testimonies circulated about the lack of materials and the scarce presence of personnel at the polling stations.

The National Electoral Commission recognized the challenges in distribution, blaming them on unforeseen alterations in the transportation method, shifting from trucks to buses, which disrupted coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the Commission attempted to manage the situation and retrieve the absent ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, chiefly in the capital, where prolonging the voting hours did not satisfy the expectations of voters eager to cast their ballots.

Inquiries regarding the participation of military forces in elections

In this scenario, the military forces reaffirmed their dedication to democracy and electoral transparency, promising to adhere to the timeline set by the electoral commission. Meanwhile, the government fully backed the armed forces, emphasizing their importance in security and election logistics. Nonetheless, the president of the electoral commission, Cossette López, mentioned that the military did not take accountability for the delays and noted incidents of verbal confrontation by the leader of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Roosevelt Hernández. This institutional friction between the electoral commission and the military heightened worries about the fairness and effectiveness of the election process planned for November 2025.

The legal system in Honduras, notably Article 272 of the Constitution, entrusts the Armed Forces with the duty of safeguarding the rotation of power and overseeing the custody, transport, and security of voting materials in collaboration with the CNE. Nonetheless, strict limitations exist for the Armed Forces’ personnel, including not interfering with the operations of the Voting Reception Boards, refraining from influencing voters, abstaining from engaging in political activities, and avoiding unnecessary delays in the transportation of voting materials. Despite these constraints, the current structure keeps the military as protectors of democracy, which is an unusual practice globally and, according to certain studies, signifies the nation’s vulnerability and the low standard of its democracy.

Suggestions for change and discussion on armed forces involvement

In response to recent developments, discussions on constitutional amendments to limit or remove the involvement of the Armed Forces in elections have grown. Constitutional expert Juan Carlos Barrientos has emphasized the importance of assigning electoral responsibilities to civilian authorities, maintaining that these processes should be managed solely by them. Likewise, Congressman Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) submitted a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, aiming to limit military participation in electoral affairs and bolster civilian institutions. Nevertheless, this proposal has elicited diverse reactions, even from members of his own party and opposition groups, who view it as an effort by the governing party to consolidate power.

The discussion about the armed forces’ involvement in election matters has been intensified by the belief that the independence of the CNE might be compromised and due to a history of military interventions in Honduras’ political scene. Institutions like the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have proposed that amending Article 272 should come with a more extensive redesign of the roles of the Armed Forces, limiting their authority and enhancing civilian oversight over the military body. Suggestions also focus on reinforcing the Ministry of Defense and reevaluating the National Defense Legislative Commission, aiming to achieve true democratic governance and minimize military sway in political affairs.

The ongoing debate regarding the involvement of the military in the elections of Honduras remains a key topic on the political agenda, with demands for changes to secure the independence and clarity of the voting process. Belief in the fairness of the election system is deemed essential for the nation’s democratic stability, and the current conversation highlights the necessity to bolster civilian organizations and ensure elections are open and fair.