After the primary elections on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada secured the position of presidential candidate for the LIBRE Party. Nevertheless, her win has sparked controversy due to accusations of discrepancies in vote counting, creating an atmosphere of doubt in Honduras’ political landscape. Critics from both the rival factions and within her own party have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the results, arguing that the vote tallies in crucial districts were altered to suggest strong backing for Moncada that might not truly represent the party’s stance or the broader electorate’s preference.
The criticism points to an alleged media and organizational strategy to artificially construct an image of broad support for the ruling party candidate. In this context, the internal M-28 movement, close to the party leadership, has been singled out as the main culprit behind the alleged fraudulent maneuvers aimed at favoring Moncada’s candidacy. The accusations detail various irregularities, including the alteration of the counting of records in several polling stations, the artificial elevation of the results for certain pre-candidates, the exclusion of representatives of internal opposition movements during the counting and the late or incomplete delivery of electoral material.
Certain advocates have even proposed that the procedure was manipulated to install a candidate preselected by the party’s leaders, which they view as a violation of the democratic ideals of internal involvement.
Questions about legitimacy and internal fracture in LIBRE
The official statement from Moncada and his representatives has been to strongly dismiss these claims, labeling them as defamatory strategies implemented by the long-established opposition. The LIBRE Party has consistently asserted the openness of the internal process and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nevertheless, these allegations have led to a noticeable rift within the political party, challenging the validity of Moncada’s candidacy and revealing a major internal turmoil.
The dissatisfaction is voiced by local leaders, regional coordinators, and individuals from various internal groups. These claims not only question Rixi Moncada’s triumph but also reveal a significant split within LIBRE, an organization that has championed democratic engagement and openness as core principles of its identity. Failing to address these claims with clarity and assurance might result in a declining base of LIBRE supporters, higher abstention rates among its followers, and diminished trust ahead of the general elections scheduled for November 2025.
Political consequences and the caution from opponents
In this context, the political opposition has voiced worries that the primaries might have acted as a “trial run for fraud” before the general elections in November 2025. Concerns have arisen about a prolonged strategy by LIBRE to strengthen its influence beyond 2026, executing measures like gaining control over the legislative and judicial branches, aiming to amend the constitution via a popular vote, and employing disinformation tactics and state resources to undermine the independent media and political opponents.
Several leaders from opposing parties caution that LIBRE’s goal might be to maintain prolonged governance of the nation, employing state resources, government messaging, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.
Non-profit groups, global monitors, and autonomous media outlets have urged for enhanced oversight, technical evaluations, and international support during the electoral proceedings in November. The primary uncertainty is whether Rixi Moncada will genuinely embody the will of the people or merely be the outcome of a political and electoral apparatus aimed at keeping LIBRE in authority.
