Less than a week before the 2025 general elections, various civil society organizations warned that the conduct of the process faces challenges that could affect its credibility. They pointed out that persistent polarization, differences over electoral regulations, and controversies surrounding the selection of electoral authorities have increased public attention on the country’s institutional strength.
Constitutional mandates and tensions between branches of government
The declarations highlighted that upholding constitutional mandates is essential for preserving public trust. They pointed out that the National Congress, the Attorney General’s Office, the Armed Forces, and the Executive Branch, along with individuals associated with the LIBRE party, bear the responsibility to operate strictly within legal boundaries.
The groups emphasized that military involvement ought to be confined to its logistical capacity, as stipulated by the Constitution, rather than taking on roles perceived as partisan. Furthermore, they highlighted that both the legislative and executive branches should refrain from issuing early declarations regarding election outcomes, given that such pronouncements could ignite societal unrest in an environment already characterized by political discord.
At the same time, they stressed that the performance of the National Electoral Council (CNE) will be decisive. The expectation is that it will maintain criteria of independence, transparency, and timeliness at each stage of the process to ensure clarity in the administration of the elections.
Independence of electoral observation
The organizations considered that national and international observation can play an important role in strengthening the legitimacy of the process. They referred to missions such as those of the European Union and the Organization of American States, whose assessments can contribute to strengthening institutional accountability.
This support, they said, would reinforce the perception of neutrality at a time when political competition is increasing and citizens are demanding guarantees of the integrity of the vote. The presence of local observers was also highlighted as a useful component in bringing electoral monitoring closer to communities and broadening social participation.
Global discussions and regional pledges
In their appeal to the United States, the organizations requested “constructive” support that would be coordinated with national authorities, political sectors, and civil society. They indicated that the objective is to protect the transparency and legitimacy of the process, under the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
They affirmed that respectful accompaniment of democratic standards can contribute to the 2025 elections reflecting the expression of the Honduran electorate in a complex political environment. International dialogue, they added, can become a mechanism that encourages the fulfillment of institutional responsibilities and reduces incentives for practices that erode public confidence.
The collaborative declaration received endorsements from delegates representing various regional and hemispheric entities, such as the Seattle International Foundation (SIF), Hope Border Institute, Latin America Working Group (LAWG), Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), Alianza Americas, Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), Institute for Women in Migration (IMUMI), Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).
The scenario described by these organizations highlights the tensions surrounding the 2025 electoral process and underscores the need for Honduran institutions to act within established frameworks. National and international attention remains focused on factors such as political stability, the performance of state powers, and citizen participation, all of which will influence the perception of electoral integrity at a key moment for the country’s democratic governance.
