Honduras elections 2025: growing fears of a rigged electoral process

As the November 30, 2025 general elections in Honduras approach, the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) faces accusations from the opposition that it is preparing electoral fraud to remain in power. Opposition parties, including the National Party, the Liberal Party, and the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, have expressed concern about the transparency of the electoral process.

The leaders of these parties point to growing public rejection of LIBRE, the erosion of its public image, and the unpopularity of its candidate, Rixi Moncada. In addition, they have denounced maneuvers that suggest possible fraud, such as partial control of the National Electoral Council (CNE), vote rigging in the March primary elections, selective purges of the armed forces, and threats against critical media outlets. The use of massive state propaganda campaigns and the use of subsidies and public resources to co-opt voters in vulnerable areas have also been mentioned.

Accusations of deceit and concerns from rivals

The claims made by the opposition consist of charges related to tampering with election outcomes, judicial intimidation or harassment of competing candidates and CNE officials, the militarization of the voting process, and limitations on media freedom along with extensive digital censorship before the elections. There is also concern about the potential for the government to announce a state of emergency to preempt possible public demonstrations, as well as the possibility of dismissing the election outcomes, voiding key polling sites, or halting the electoral process citing issues of public order or national security.

Requests for assurances and global oversight

Under these circumstances, opposition groups have urged for an early and engaged participation of observers from the OAS, the EU, and other international organizations, an external review of the electoral system, and public assurances from the CNE to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsibility. They have also advocated for peaceful citizen action to protect the vote and oversee the process at the community level.

Possible fraud claims have intensified political unrest and put the nation’s democratic stability at risk. People perceive with skepticism a process where the electoral referee appears partial, and the governing party looks more intent on holding onto power than respecting the voters’ decision. There is worry that Honduras could face a crisis following the elections, affecting governance, the economy, and social tranquility.