_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "CNE at risk")
In the period approaching the November 2025 general elections, numerous political, social, and legal figures in Honduras have reported a collection of pressures and intimidation acts aimed at the National Electoral Council (CNE). These allegations primarily concern the governing party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), which is accused of trying to sway the CNE’s decisions and endanger the electoral process’s transparency.
Accusations against the LIBRE party
The accusations directed at the governing party involve efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the CNE, the organization accountable for guaranteeing the impartiality and transparency of the elections. As per the accusations, LIBRE members are organizing initiatives to exert pressure on CNE judges, particularly those who are not aligned with their political agenda, thus impacting the institution’s independence.
Maribel Espinoza, quien es legisladora y analista política, mencionó que el objetivo de esta presión es generar un ambiente de desconfianza que pueda dar fundamento a acusaciones de fraude o desorganización electoral. “Están presionando al árbitro electoral porque saben que las encuestas no los favorecen,” afirmó Espinoza, haciendo una clara alusión a los intentos de ciertos sectores de incidir en los resultados electorales antes de que las campañas inicien.
Strategies for undermining organizations
The claims extend beyond just exerting pressure on judges; they also encompass the dissemination of antagonistic rhetoric by individuals associated with the LIBRE party. An escalating disinformation campaign has been detected on social media, which aims to diminish the CNE’s credibility and cast doubt on the fairness of the electoral institution.
Civil society organizations concerned about the integrity of the electoral process have pointed to these acts as possible attempts at institutional sabotage. They assert that such maneuvers are not only an attack on the legitimacy of the CNE, but also constitute a danger to the democratic order of the country, exacerbating political polarization ahead of the November 2025 elections.
Requests for global oversight
Given the escalating situation, different segments of society have urged the involvement of international observers to ensure the election process remains transparent. In line with this, bodies like the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union, and several human rights groups have been requested to oversee the elections, guaranteeing that the proceedings occur without any political meddling or bias.
Lidia Meza, a constitutional lawyer, stressed the importance of maintaining the independence of the electoral system, noting that “the electoral system cannot be hijacked by partisan interests. The country needs guarantees, not threats.”
Context and challenges for democracy
Allegations of intimidation and attempts at institutional sabotage add to a picture of growing political polarization in Honduras, where mistrust of institutions and electoral processes has been exacerbated by various factors, such as the economic crisis and lack of political cohesion. This environment, marked by tensions and mutual accusations, poses serious challenges for the country’s governance, less than a year before the elections.
The global community is observing closely the developments, as citizens of Honduras persist in calling for increased transparency and the safeguarding of democratic institutions. The present scenario emphasizes the challenges in securing an election process devoid of pressure and manipulation, and highlights the necessity to reinforce the bodies tasked with safeguarding democratic practices.