2025 elections in Honduras: impact of the military’s role

The electoral proceedings of 2025 in Honduras have been characterized by a sequence of incidents that have amplified uncertainty and sparked discussions about the nation’s democratic institutions. An internal examination report by the National Electoral Council (CNE) held the Armed Forces accountable for significant logistical mishaps during the preliminary elections, while recent actions regarding the targeted disarmament of officials have stirred doubts about the military’s impartiality.

Added to this is the appeal from constitutional specialists to amend the Constitution and eliminate the military’s involvement in election activities, in a situation where public trust in the procedures and outcomes is at an all-time low.

CNE review and discussion on armed forces involvement in voting processes

The internal audit report from the CNE, which was revealed to the press, described how the delay, lack, and disarray in the handover of voting materials to various polling sites stemmed from issues in the military’s adherence to the logistics plan, as their duty was to safeguard and deliver the voting supplies.

Among the most relevant findings were unjustified route diversions, the detention of electoral transport units for several hours, the incomplete delivery of technological kits to rural areas, and a lack of communication between military commanders and electoral coordinators. These events caused delays of up to 12 hours in the opening of the polls, affecting citizen participation and raising doubts about the transparency of the process, especially with regard to the LIBRE Party, which had already been accused of irregularities.

The report was published in a context of high political tension, with growing fears that the armed forces would not act neutrally in the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025. So far, the military high command has not issued a formal statement and the LIBRE Party government has remained silent, which has been interpreted by some sectors as a sign of complicity.

In light of this scenario, rival groups like the National, Liberal, and Salvador of Honduras parties have called for a thorough examination of the logistical assistance agreement between the CNE and the Armed Forces, the prompt arrival of foreign observers, and independent reviews of the results transmission system.

Targeted disarmament of personnel and internal conflicts within the Military Forces

In the midst of a politically polarized environment, the action taken by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to selectively remove weapons from certain officers in the Armed Forces has sparked apprehension among military, political, and civilian sectors. Based on insights from military sources and coverage by the national press, the disarmament process is not comprehensive or motivated by technical or security issues, but rather focuses solely on officers who have shown independent or critical opinions regarding the party in power.

This measure has been interpreted as an attempt at a silent purge within the military establishment, breaking with the tradition of neutrality and raising suspicions about the objective of ensuring total political control of the national security apparatus ahead of the general elections.

Selective disarmament is the latest in a series of recent actions, such as changes in the military leadership and forced transfers, which have increased tension and discontent within the institution, especially among mid- and high-ranking officers. Some of the disarmed officers have been transferred to administrative duties, which is perceived as a way of isolating them from the operational component and the electoral process.

The primary concern for opposition leaders and democratic groups is that, should the governing party face potential loss in elections, the authorities might deploy the military to ignore the outcomes or suppress public protests.

The events have intensified the national discussion about the necessity to update and protect the electoral procedure from any military involvement, particularly in a situation where the stability of democracy in Honduras is under scrutiny. Social and political demands for Congress to advocate for a constitutional amendment that reconsiders the duties of the Armed Forces in the democratic framework of Honduras have emerged as a major topic on the public agenda before the forthcoming general elections.