Opposition in Honduras denounces electoral montage in favor of Moncada

After the primary elections held on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada emerged as the presidential nominee for the LIBRE Party. Nonetheless, her win has sparked controversy following accusations of vote-counting discrepancies, creating an atmosphere of doubt within the Honduran political scene. Critics from both opposing parties and within her own ranks have voiced skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the results, suggesting that the vote tallies in crucial districts were altered to show strong backing for Moncada that might not accurately represent the party’s or the electorate’s true sentiment.

Critics argue there is a supposed media and organizational tactic designed to fabricate an image of widespread backing for the candidate of the ruling party. Within this scenario, the M-28 internal group, aligned with the party’s leadership, has been identified as the key party responsible for the alleged deceptive strategies intended to support Moncada’s bid. The claims specify numerous anomalies, such as tampering with the tallying of records at several polling locations, inflating results for particular pre-candidates, excluding representatives from internal opposition groups during the counting process, and the delayed or partial distribution of electoral materials.

Certain campaigners have even proposed that the procedure was arranged to enforce a preselected contender picked by the party leaders, which they view as a violation of the democratic principles of internal participation.

Inquiries regarding the credibility and inner division within LIBRE

The statement from Moncada and his representatives has been to strongly deny these claims, labeling them as smear tactics directed by the conventional opposition. The LIBRE Party has emphasized the clarity of the internal process and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nevertheless, these claims have led to a noticeable split within the political organization, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Moncada’s bid for candidacy and revealing a major internal conflict.

The dissent arises from local leaders, section heads, and various internal groups. These claims not only question Rixi Moncada’s win but also reveal a significant division within LIBRE, an organization that upholds democratic involvement and openness as key aspects of its character. Failing to provide a decisive and persuasive answer to these claims might result in the demotivation of LIBRE’s grassroots supporters, a rise in voter apathy among its loyalists, and a decline in trust leading up to the general elections scheduled for November 2025.

Political implications and the opposition’s warning

In this context, critics from the political opposition have voiced worries that the primaries might have acted as a “practice run for fraud” in anticipation of the November 2025 general elections. Concerns have been raised about a prolonged plan by LIBRE to solidify its influence past 2026, employing tactics like gaining dominance over the legislative and judicial sectors, aiming to amend the constitution via a public vote, and utilizing disparagement and governmental assets to undermine the independent media and political adversaries.

Several opposing figures caution that LIBRE aims to secure prolonged dominance over the government, employing state mechanisms, official messaging, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.

Civil society groups, international parties, and free press advocates have requested more oversight, technical inspections, and global support for the November election event. The key question is if Rixi Moncada will embody an actual majority preference, or if it will be driven by a political mechanism designed to keep LIBRE in control.