Will Honduras 2025 have free elections with a controlled CNE?

As November 2025 approaches, the general elections in Honduras are causing growing concern in various sectors. There is an apparent intention on the part of the LIBRE Party to concentrate power over the National Electoral Council (CNE), a key body in the administration and supervision of the electoral process. Simultaneously, the role of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the elections is causing alarm, with accusations of interference during the primary elections.

The National Electoral Council, which ensures transparent and fair voting processes, is being closely observed because its substitute members are believed to cater to powerful political agendas, especially those of the current government. This situation may lead to the removal of the main council members, aiming to influence the electoral council’s impartiality. There are concerns regarding possible interference in party accreditation, vote tallying, and the verification of outcomes.

Potential influence over the CNE and dangers to voting transparency

Figures from the opposition voice unease regarding the potential tampering with the CNE to secure the ongoing political agenda of the LIBRE Party. Claims involve meddling with the voter registry and counting oversight, leading to a climate of skepticism. The predicament is worsened by accusations of internal cheating in the LIBRE Party primaries, doubts about the misappropriation of government resources, and a general lack of trust in electoral bodies.

Should these alerts become reality, Honduras might experience a post-election turmoil with significant impacts on its political stability. Both national and international bodies have called for reinforcing the CNE’s autonomy and boosting transparency within the electoral process. Doubts concerning the feasibility of fair elections, due to an electoral body seen as influenced, lead to uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the incoming administration.

Increasing concern about the military’s involvement in the voting process

Simultaneously, the military faces allegations from the opposition, which claims there was a disruption during the primary voting. Reports emerged of electoral materials arriving late, military presence causing intimidation at certain polling locations, restricted entry to voting sites, and halted election transportation in opposition strongholds. Observers have noted these occurrences, sparking concerns about military involvement in the election process.

The increase in the participation of the Armed Forces in civil affairs, promoted by the party in power, is interpreted as a tactic to strengthen political control. This situation raises questions about the impartiality of the Armed Forces, whose constitutional role in electoral security is compromised by opacity and political influence. Both the CNE and international observers are urged to demand neutrality and to exercise rigorous supervision. It is warned that a possible biased intervention of the Armed Forces could trigger a democratic crisis, raising doubts about the freedom of suffrage and the behavior of the entities in charge of preserving peace under political pressure.