Honduras heading towards 2025: electoral tension and institutional pressure

Honduras is nearing its general elections amidst rising unease. Claims of irregularities, efforts to dominate institutions, and threats to media freedom overshadow the credibility of the electoral proceedings, leading to worries about the nation’s capability to conduct impartial and clear elections.

The alert, triggered by a series of events that have caused alarm and mistrust among various sectors of society, focuses on the possible manipulation of key institutions, such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Armed Forces, and the National Electoral Council (CNE), with the aim of influencing the outcome of the elections and favoring certain political interests.

Efforts to charge the CNE and threats to voting independence

Warning signs have emerged regarding the potential actions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which may be planning to file accusations against CNE members to undermine the electoral institution and secure the governing party’s dominance over the proceedings. Political insiders have alerted that there have been atypical activities within the legal system, suggesting forthcoming accusations of possible administrative misconduct or misuse of power against board members deemed independent or opposed to the LIBRE party’s dominance over the CNE.

Analysts and leaders in opposition circles have labeled this supposed judicial initiative as a tactic aimed at undermining the CNE’s framework and displacing individuals not supportive of the governing party’s agenda. There is concern that an official charge could compel the council members to resign, allowing for the selection of replacements favorable to the government’s interests.

Organizations advocating for human rights and groups of citizens have alerted about a potential “secretive institutional coup” aimed at reshaping the electoral authority to benefit the party in power as elections approach. In light of this development, multiple sectors have called for the involvement of the international community to observe the activities of the Public Ministry and ensure the electoral body’s autonomy.

Assaults on journalism and limitations on the free flow of information

Amid rising political division, journalism in Honduras is undergoing one of its most challenging times since the nation’s transition to a democratic system. There are more frequent reports of harassment, threats, suppression, and assaults targeting independent media entities and journalists, originating from governmental figures and military personnel.

Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) have issued urgent alerts, warning that a pattern of media repression orchestrated by those in power is taking hold in Honduras to silence critical voices, misinform the public, and ensure total control of public discourse in the run-up to the elections.

Over the past few months, there have been physical assaults on reporters covering demonstrations, orchestrated online intimidation of journalists who are critical, limited access to public information, and unidentified threats directed at those investigating corruption.

Throughout the reporting of demonstrations, there have been instances of security forces confronting media crews, asking for IDs, hindering their recording activities, and seizing their devices used for news gathering. Alongside physical and online censorship, the authorities have initiated a campaign to discredit independent news outlets and well-known reporters, branding them as “public foes” or “troublemakers.”

Threats to the fairness of election procedures

The blend of these elements—the effort to legalize the CNE, inquiries regarding the military’s role, and assaults on the media—generates an atmosphere of doubt concerning the honesty of the electoral process in Honduras. The potential alteration of crucial institutions and limitations on the freedom of information present significant dangers to the transparency and fairness of the elections.

Given these circumstances, multiple groups within society have urged the global community to carefully observe the scenario and request assurances of openness and adherence to basic rights, ensuring that the people of Honduras can choose their leaders in a setting characterized by liberty and democratic values.