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The Honduran political landscape is at a critical point, where various voices from civil society, the political opposition and the journalistic sphere have expressed their deep concern at what they perceive as an authoritarian drift on the part of the LIBRE Party, especially in the context of the upcoming general elections in November 2025.
Alerts have sounded in Honduras regarding various government measures indicating a concerning decline in democratic values. These measures include restricting basic civil liberties, vital for citizens to fully function, and introducing systems that aim to exert more influence over the press, key players in shaping public opinion and checking governmental power.
A further aspect is the view of a calculated plan to concentrate authority within the different governmental bodies, potentially leading to a reduction in the independence of branches of government and, consequently, the vital checks and balances in a functional democratic framework. The coming together of these trends has created an atmosphere of unease and concern among multiple groups, who perceive these moves as indicative of a path toward a system with dictatorial traits.
Risks to basic liberties: demonstrations, media, and military
The activities that have sparked debate include the purported criminalization of public demonstrations, as there have been allegations regarding the enactment of laws and decrees that authorize the use of force and the legal action against individuals who protest, even during non-violent gatherings. In relation to this, reports have surfaced about unjustified detentions of local leaders, excessive police presence, and the intimidation of legal action against social groups opposing the administration.
Conversely, worries have been raised regarding the freedom of the press. Journalists who offer criticism and media organizations have faced defamation efforts, limited access to government information, tax and legal pressures, advertising constraints, and violent acts including physical threats. Groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have voiced their apprehension about the decline in press freedom within the nation.
Another area of dispute involves the current state of the Military Forces. Reports have surfaced regarding a supposed targeted removal of officers who are not aligned with the governing party’s political stance, along with a partial reduction of arms or reassignment of crucial roles to officers supportive of the administration. These measures have sparked apprehension about the potential for political influence within the military organization.
The democratic challenge in Honduras
The actions against the press and civil society are aimed at silencing dissident voices, while at the same time suggesting a broader strategy to dismantle the democratic counterweights and consolidate hegemonic power.
This issue has sparked worries about carrying out a plan that, as per experts and critics, aims to strengthen the LIBRE Party’s influence within state bodies through institutional dominance, changes to the constitution, targeting opposition and critical media, and utilizing state resources for political favor. Focus has been placed on efforts to dominate the National Electoral Council, appointing individuals associated with the party’s extreme faction, endeavors to amend the constitution, establishing entities parallel to the government, and moving away from the United States.
The general elections in 2025 are considered a pivotal point for the future of democracy in Honduras. The people must choose between allowing an authoritarian model to solidify or safeguarding democratic institutions.
