With only five months remaining until the general elections set for November 30, the Libre Party’s presidential contender, Rixi Moncada, has generated a series of responses in Honduras following her severe criticism of both the Catholic Church and evangelical churches, two of the most powerful entities in the nation. Her remarks, positioning her in direct opposition to these religious groups, might result in significant electoral consequences amid a strained political and social environment.
Claims by Moncada: a campaign targeting the churches
In several public statements, Moncada accused religious leaders of being mere mouthpieces for the “ten oligarchic families” who, according to her, control power in the country. The presidential candidate claimed that both priests and pastors are manipulating their congregations to promote a political discourse against the current government, which, in her view, undermines democracy and fosters social polarization.
Este ataque a las iglesias, que históricamente han gozado de gran respeto entre el pueblo hondureño, provocó una rápida reacción por parte de los líderes religiosos. El Comité de Obispos de la Iglesia Católica y varias organizaciones evangélicas convocaron a una manifestación en apoyo de la democracia y la paz, advirtiendo que tales declaraciones no solo intensifican la división política, sino que también alejan a Moncada de una posible victoria en las elecciones presidenciales.
Responses and alerts: the political price of opposing the churches
Political analysts have pointed out that Moncada’s words could have devastating effects on his election campaign.
According to Leonardo Pineda, an expert in public opinion, “messing with the faith of the people is electoral suicide,” as around 85 to 90% of Hondurans identify as Christian, and the majority continue to attend church. Pineda emphasizes that in a country where trust in politicians is at very low levels, religious sectors remain one of the most credible sources for citizens.
This area, traditionally crucial for winning elections in Honduras, might turn into a significant challenge for Moncada. In this context, several political analysts have concurred that confronting the churches directly during an election year is not just an ill-advised approach, but also a risky maneuver, as it distances a substantial segment of voters.
Pressure on social media and challenges for Moncada’s campaign
The debate has invaded social media and the media, where viral clips of Moncada’s statements have become a recurring topic of conversation. The fury of users has been palpable, with many interpreting the confrontation with the churches as a desperate act by a campaign struggling to find its direction. Criticism on social media and in various media outlets rivals expressions of support from churches, which have organized to reject what they consider a “politics of hate and polarization.”
Experts in political marketing and public opinion caution that the harm inflicted on Moncada’s reputation may be permanent. In a nation where the religious community has been key to the electoral achievements of other parties, the appeals for unity from religious figures appear to have left the candidate isolated during a crucial period.
Is LIBRE facing a strategic change or an unavoidable collapse?
With the elections just around the corner, the question on many people’s minds is whether Moncada will be able to rectify her strategy or whether her confrontation with the churches will seal the fate of her candidacy. The most critical voices point out that it is unlikely that the situation will be reversed, as the polarization created by her statements may have irreversibly alienated key sectors of her potential voter base.
Ultimately, the November election battle is shaping up to be a confrontation not only between political forces, but also between the religious beliefs of the Honduran people and the strategy of a party that seems to have chosen a risky path. With the power of the churches mobilizing against him, Moncada may have put LIBRE at a disadvantage that could prove decisive at the polls.
