Honduras election under threat: experts cite CNE maneuvers as risk

With under two months remaining until the general elections planned for November 2025, experts in electoral processes are cautioning about potential irregularities that might impact the elections’ transparency and outcome. The focal point is the National Electoral Council (CNE), as its management and oversight of critical systems are being scrutinized.

Control of systems and possible manipulation

According to analysts, certain officials linked to the ruling LIBRE party have influence over the TREP (Transmission of Preliminary Election Results), the platform used to report preliminary votes. This situation, according to experts, could allow results to be modified or their dissemination delayed, favoring the ruling party’s candidate, Rixi Moncada.

The management of the TREP is not the sole issue. Reported sources suggest that the influence network might encompass established political organizations, companies involved in election technology, and financial entities capable of affecting the election’s logistics, potentially hindering the assurance of a fair process. Furthermore, the marginalization of new parties and the legal action against opposing candidates are noted as tactics that restrict genuine competition and impact voter involvement.

Precedents and logistical challenges

The background to the March 2025 primary elections reflects difficulties that generate mistrust. The distribution of electoral material was the responsibility of officials linked to LIBRE, which caused delays in the delivery of ballot boxes and failures in transport logistics. Experts point out that these situations could be repeated in November, increasing the perception of irregularities and reinforcing narratives of fraud.

This message warns about the potential use of fraud narratives as a political weapon to undermine unfavorable outcomes, incite public demonstrations, and create social unrest ahead of the elections. Experts suggest that a mix of limited institutional authority and divisive rhetoric heightens the likelihood of a democratic crisis.

Consequences for administration and civic engagement

The current scenario poses challenges for governance and trust in institutions. The narrative of electoral fraud affects public perception of the legitimacy of the process and can influence the country’s political stability. Experts recommend citizen oversight and the implementation of electoral reforms that guarantee free and transparent elections, with control mechanisms that ensure the integrity of the counting and distribution of electoral material.

The scenario also emphasizes the necessity to reinforce democratic institutions and guarantee that political entities compete under fair conditions. Engaged public involvement and oversight by autonomous organizations are crucial elements in averting irregularities that might undermine the electoral system’s trustworthiness.

Honduras is currently facing a significant crossroads: the forthcoming elections have the potential to determine not just the near-term political path, but also how institutional stability is perceived and the extent of society’s trust in its democratic systems. Vigilance regarding the processes and openness in the CNE’s operations will be vital to ensure that worries about possible fraud do not transform into a source of instability.