In Honduras, as the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, draw near, anxiety over the electoral process’s integrity has heightened. Two main issues have surfaced: doubts regarding possible interference by the Public Prosecutor’s Office with the National Electoral Council (CNE) and increasing skepticism about the Armed Forces’ function as protectors of the democratic process.
There are reports that the Public Prosecutor’s Office is preparing formal charges against CNE councilors, which has caused alarm among political sectors and organizations defending democracy. It is alleged that this judicial process is politically motivated and directed against councilors who have expressed critical or independent positions toward the ruling party. The possible prosecution of CNE council members comes at a delicate time, when the electoral body must guarantee the impartial organization of the electoral process, the credibility of the results, and the confidence of political parties and citizens.
Concerns about organizational oversight and skepticism
These actions could undermine the autonomy of institutions and reduce public trust in the electoral system. Opposing parties and civic organizations have raised alarm, calling for inquiries rooted in tangible proof rather than political vendettas. The international community has been urged to denounce any efforts to manipulate the CNE and to observe the conduct of the Office of the Attorney General.
At the same time, public and political mistrust of the role of the armed forces as guarantors of the democratic process has intensified. Opposition party leaders, civil society organizations, and independent analysts have expressed concern about suspicious removals and withdrawals within the military, the ideological and operational rapprochement between the executive branch and the Armed Forces, the active presence of military elements in civilian processes and electoral events, and the lack of transparency in the planning of military deployment during the elections.
Fear of militarization and calls for vigilance
In the course of the primary elections held in March, there were reports of postponements in the distribution of voting materials along with an unexpected presence of soldiers at some polling places, which has heightened worries about a potential militarization of the election process. There are apprehensions that the military, swayed by individuals aligned with the current government, might be utilized as a means to enable election rigging or to suppress public demonstrations.
Increasing distrust has resulted in pressing demands for global bodies to dispatch monitoring missions and to insist on assurances of military impartiality and operational openness. Community associations have started creating social monitoring systems to record any possible misuse or anomalies. The trustworthiness of the electoral events on November 30 hinges on the behavior of authorities and public watchfulness.
