_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "CNE and the armed forces in Honduran")
The reputation of the Honduran Armed Forces as protectors of the voting process has become a heated topic of public discourse after the primary elections conducted on March 9, 2025. Multiple social groups and opposition parties have voiced worries regarding a range of logistical issues, especially concerning the allocation of voting materials in major cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, where delays reaching up to twelve hours were noted in the delivery of ballot boxes. This situation caused extended queues of voters, public demonstrations, and an overall sense of frustration, noticeable both at voting locations and across social networks, where pictures and accounts highlighted the lack of materials and the limited presence of staff at the polling sites.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) admitted publicly to the challenges in distribution, blaming unexpected alterations in transportation, switching from trucks to buses, which disrupted the coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the CNE tried to manage the situation and find the misplaced ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, particularly in the capital, where extending voting hours did not satisfy the citizens eager to cast their votes.
Inquiries regarding the participation of military forces in elections
In this scenario, the military forces reiterated their dedication to upholding democracy and ensuring electoral transparency, promising to adhere to the timeline established by the CNE. Meanwhile, the government fully backed the armed forces, emphasizing their importance in security and election organization. Nevertheless, CNE Chair Cossette López noted that the military did not take responsibility for the delays and mentioned instances of verbal confrontations involving the Joint Chiefs of Staff leader, General Roosevelt Hernández. This institutional friction between the CNE and the military heightened worries about the objectivity and effectiveness of the electoral process planned for November 2025.
The legal system in Honduras, notably Article 272 of the Constitution, entrusts the Armed Forces with the duty of safeguarding the rotation of power and overseeing the custody, transport, and security of voting materials in collaboration with the CNE. Nonetheless, strict limitations exist for the Armed Forces’ personnel, including not interfering with the operations of the Voting Reception Boards, refraining from influencing voters, abstaining from engaging in political activities, and avoiding unnecessary delays in the transportation of voting materials. Despite these constraints, the current structure keeps the military as protectors of democracy, which is an unusual practice globally and, according to certain studies, signifies the nation’s vulnerability and the low standard of its democracy.
Proposals for reform and debate on military participation
In light of recent events, proposals for constitutional reform to limit or eliminate the role of the Armed Forces in electoral processes have intensified. Constitutional lawyer Juan Carlos Barrientos has raised the need to transfer electoral powers to civilian authorities, arguing that electoral processes should be handled exclusively by these entities. Similarly, Congressman Ramón Barrios of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) presented a motion to reform Article 272 of the Constitution, seeking to restrict the military’s role in electoral matters and strengthen civilian institutions. However, this initiative has generated mixed reactions, even within his own party and among sectors of the opposition, who interpret the proposal as an attempt by the ruling party to concentrate power.
The discussion about the role of the military in voting processes has been intensified by concerns that the CNE’s independence might be jeopardized and by the past instances of military involvement in politics in Honduras. Entities like the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have recommended that changes to Article 272 should involve a wider reevaluation of the duties of the Armed Forces, clearly defining their roles and enhancing civilian oversight over military operations. Suggestions also include bolstering the Ministry of Defense and assessing the National Defense Legislative Commission, aiming to achieve substantial democratic supervision and lessen the military’s sway in political matters.
The discussion on the role of the Armed Forces in the Honduran elections continues to be a central issue on the political agenda, with calls for reforms to ensure the independence and transparency of the electoral process. Confidence in the integrity of the electoral system is considered fundamental to the country’s democratic stability, and the current debate reflects the need to strengthen civilian institutions and guarantee free and transparent elections.
