In Honduras, significant members of the governing Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are being closely watched by the public, leading to a state of political unpredictability. Ex-President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and advisor from the National Electoral Council (CNE), Marlon Ochoa, are dealing with allegations that have raised questions about their trustworthiness and the fairness of the electoral proceedings.
This situation has triggered a series of revelations and accusations that deepen the crisis, placing the actions and decisions of these officials and their possible repercussions on the country’s stability at the center of public debate.
Diversion of vehicles and consequences for electoral logistics
A detailed investigation report disclosed that Marlon Ochoa directed the reassignment of 50 government vehicles to the military on March 8, 2025, just a day prior to the preliminary elections. Joel Ramos García, the past head of the CNE Transport Initiative, stated that Ochoa commanded that the vehicles be stationed at Parada Marte Field to aid in checking technological gear at voting locations. This decision led to a lack of transportation resources necessary for distributing voting materials, causing notable delays at various polling places.
The report also points to unilateral changes in the contract with the company Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where cargo trucks were replaced by buses without authorization, in breach of the terms established for the transport of electoral material. In addition, it indicates that the Armed Forces delayed the delivery of electoral material, instructing drivers to park at different points in the Central District for several hours, interrupting the timely transfer to the polling stations.
Accusations of drug trafficking and diversion of resources
Meanwhile, in September 2024, a report from journalists uncovered that Carlos Zelaya, Mel Zelaya’s sibling, held a meeting in 2013 with drug lords who proposed funding Xiomara Castro’s run for president. Carlos Zelaya acknowledged the encounter but refuted taking any funds and stepped down from his roles to allow investigations, just as his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was minister of defense, did. These disclosures have sparked worries about the potential penetration of narcotics trade into Honduran politics and have put a strain on relations with the United States.
In reaction to the allegations against Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya has stood by his conduct, blaming the National and Liberal parties for seeking to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Despite this defense, the exposés have sparked disapproval of Marlon Ochoa, leading to demands for his removal from office by political leaders like Congresswoman Claudia Ramírez, who argues that Ochoa should not remain in his role as the November general elections approach.
Effect on trust in elections
These occurrences have fostered an atmosphere of political instability in Honduras, raising doubts about the reliability of institutions and trust in the nation’s democratic procedures. The populace is observing anxiously the accusations of corruption and the potential impact of drug cartels on politics, which might compromise the validity of the forthcoming general elections.
The approaching national elections heighten worries, as trust in the fairness and openness of the voting system diminishes. The capacity of institutions to rebuild trust and guarantee just and unbiased elections has emerged as a crucial element for the nation’s democratic stability.
