Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza cautioned about indications that, in her view, endanger the constitutional stability before the elections slated for November 30. Amid significant institutional polarization, the congresswoman urged the leading opposition parties to counter what she perceives as a plan by the ruling party to strengthen its control outside of democratic processes.
Warning signs in the conduct of the electoral process
During a public address, Espinoza alleged that the governing party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), was initiating measures to dominate the electoral system in order to retain their position of authority. She highlighted her major worries by mentioning the potential tampering with the National Electoral Council (CNE), an organization presently entangled in controversies regarding the unfilled seat of councilor Ana Paola Hall.
The legislator indicated that the governing party is trying to create a favorable majority in the CNE, potentially undermining the fairness of the general elections. She also pointed out intentional hindrances in the election organization, which, according to her, could impact both the process and the outcomes.
In the judicial sphere, Espinoza argued that the Public Ministry’s inaction in response to allegations involving figures from the ruling party reinforces a perception of impunity. The lack of investigations, she argued, weakens institutional checks and balances and exacerbates the imbalance between the branches of government.
Invitation to opposition groups and specific suggestions
Given this situation, Espinoza urged the leaders of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to stand firm in defense of democratic principles. In his message, he called on them not to allow institutional setbacks or the renunciation of constitutional guarantees in the name of an apparent consensus.
As immediate measures, he proposed the urgent election of Hall’s replacement in the CNE to ensure the electoral body’s operational capacity. He also advocated extending the deadline for implementing the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), a key mechanism for strengthening the credibility of the vote count.
Espinoza emphasized the need for honest dialogue, but stressed that this should not involve concessions that weaken the current legal framework. In her view, the defense of democratic order is a responsibility shared by all political and social sectors of the country.
An atmosphere of increasing institutional strain
The congresswoman’s remarks emerge during an extended stalemate in the National Congress, which has witnessed conflicts over the makeup of the CNE and the selection of new leaders for the Public Ministry. The absence of consensus has delayed crucial choices needed for the operation of vital institutions, escalating uncertainty about the forthcoming electoral process.
Este contexto muestra las dificultades del sistema político hondureño para superar sus divergencias dentro del marco institucional. Faltando solo unos meses para las elecciones, persisten dudas sobre la neutralidad de los organismos electorales, el funcionamiento del sistema judicial y la verdadera disposición de los actores políticos para asegurar un proceso libre y transparente.
Espinoza’s warning, although framed in opposition rhetoric, highlights the tensions affecting the country’s institutional life. The course taken by the November electoral process will be decisive in gauging the strength of the democratic order and the state’s ability to preserve its legitimacy in the face of growing signs of confrontation.