Electoral crisis in Honduras: influence of CNE and Armed Forces

As the November 2025 elections near in Honduras, there is increasing unease among different groups. There seems to be an effort by the LIBRE Party to centralize authority over the National Electoral Council (CNE), an important organization responsible for managing and overseeing the election process. At the same time, concerns are rising about the Armed Forces’ (FF. AA.) part in the elections, with claims of meddling in the primary voting.

The CNE, entrusted with ensuring transparent and equitable elections, is being closely watched because there is a perception that its deputy judges act according to prevailing political agendas, especially those allied with the party in power. This introduces the chance that the primary councillors might be removed, aiming for partiality within the CNE’s electoral processes. Concerns exist about possible interference in the party accreditation, manipulation of vote counting, and the final approval of results.

Potential government influence over the CNE and threats to voting transparency

Leaders from the opposition voice worries about potential meddling with the CNE to secure the ongoing success of the LIBRE Party’s political agenda. Accusations involve manipulating the voter register and controlling the tallying process, resulting in an atmosphere of skepticism. The scenario worsens due to claims of internal cheating in the LIBRE Party’s primary elections, doubts about the misappropriation of public resources, and a prevalent lack of trust in the election agencies.

If these alerts become a reality, Honduras might encounter a post-election crisis with significant repercussions for political steadiness. Both domestic and foreign organizations have called for enhancing the independence of the CNE and boosting transparency within the election process. The doubt regarding the potential for equitable elections with an electoral entity seen as under control creates uncertainty about the legitimacy of the forthcoming administration.

Increasing concern about the involvement of military forces in elections

Simultaneously, the opposition accuses the military of causing disruptions during the primaries. Allegations include postponed deliveries of voting materials, military presence causing intimidation at some voting sites, restricted entry to polling locations, and halted electoral transport in opposition regions. Observers recorded these events, sparking concerns about potential military influence over the election process.

The growth in the involvement of the military in civilian matters, encouraged by the ruling party, is seen as a strategy to bolster political dominance. This scenario provokes concerns regarding the neutrality of the military, whose constitutional duty in safeguarding electoral processes is undermined by lack of transparency and political meddling. Both the electoral commission and global monitors are called upon to insist on impartiality and conduct strict oversight. It is cautioned that a potentially partial intervention by the military might lead to a democratic upheaval, casting uncertainty over the fairness of elections and the conduct of institutions tasked with upholding peace amid political tension.