US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed concern about the political direction Honduras is taking, warning of the possible consolidation of an ideological model akin to so-called 21st-century socialism. In this context, she urged Honduran citizens to reject the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), in the elections scheduled for November 2025.
Analysis of Honduras’ geopolitical partnerships
During her statements in Washington, Salazar denounced what she considers an attempt by the Honduran ruling party to replicate a scheme inspired by the governments of Cuba and Venezuela. According to the legislator, both President Xiomara Castro and her ally and political successor, Rixi Moncada, are promoting an authoritarian agenda, backed by alliances with governments that she described as “corrupt and failed.”
In addition, the Republican congresswoman presented a bill before the US Congress aimed at restricting entry into US territory for candidates participating in electoral processes considered corrupt. This measure, although not specifically targeted, is part of a critical stance toward political actors who, according to Salazar, compromise the democratic stability of the region.
Appeal to residents and community responses
The legislator made a direct appeal to Honduran citizens to actively participate in the general elections on November 30, 2025. In her words, the challenge is to “defeat socialism” at the polls and prevent Honduras from continuing an ideological shift that, in her view, would pose a threat to representative democracy. To this end, she proposed unifying the opposition around a single candidate who can successfully challenge the ruling party.
The statements have been received with interest by opposition sectors in Honduras, which for months have been seeking to form an electoral alliance against the Libre party. Within the country, Salazar’s speech has been interpreted by some actors as explicit support for the opposition, while the government has pointed to these statements as evidence of foreign interference.
Division in elections and the political landscape
Rixi Moncada was recently affirmed as the LIBRE party’s presidential nominee following a significant victory in the party’s primary elections.
Her candidacy comes at a time of high political polarization, criticism of the government’s performance, and tensions over the concentration of power in the executive branch. The ruling party is seeking to remain in power for a second consecutive term, which has raised concerns among social, political, and business sectors.
Among the main points of debate are the direction of Honduran foreign policy, the country’s closeness to governments not aligned with Washington, and allegations of authoritarian practices within the state apparatus.
A global demand affecting the political sphere
The Honduran electoral scenario is unfolding under the scrutiny of international actors who, as in the case of Congresswoman Salazar, are showing growing concern about the country’s institutional drift. These external warnings coincide with a period of reorganization of the opposition, which is seeking to unite against a consolidated pro-government candidate.
As the formal campaign approaches, the country faces the challenge of sustaining a competitive, transparent, and undisturbed electoral process in an environment where ideological, geopolitical, and social tensions are affecting democratic stability and institutional balance.
