Honduras and the military role in elections: questions and reforms under debate

The trustworthiness of the Honduran Armed Forces as overseers of the election has sparked significant public discussion after the primary elections on March 9, 2025. Various social groups and opposition parties have raised alarms about several logistical irregularities, notably in the delivery of election materials to major cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. In these areas, reports indicated delays of up to twelve hours in the arrival of voting boxes. This issue caused long voter lines, public demonstrations, and an overall mood of displeasure, noticeable both at voting centers and online, where photos and accounts highlighted the shortage of materials and limited staff presence at the voting sites.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) admitted publicly to the logistical challenges, blaming them on sudden shifts in transportation means, switching from trucks to buses, which disrupted coordination and adherence to the timetable. In spite of the CNE’s attempts to manage the issue and find the absent ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, notably in the capital, where extending the voting hours did not fulfill the expectations of voters eager to cast their ballots.

Questions about the role of the armed forces in the electoral process

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.

Suggestions for changes and discussions on military involvement

Given the recent developments, suggestions for amending the constitution to reduce or remove the involvement of the Armed Forces in electoral procedures have gained momentum. Constitutional expert Juan Carlos Barrientos has highlighted the importance of shifting electoral responsibilities to civilian bodies, asserting that these processes should be handled solely by civilian entities. Likewise, Representative Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) initiated a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, aiming to limit the military’s influence in electoral activities and bolster civilian agencies. Nonetheless, this proposal has sparked varied responses, including from members of his own party and certain opposition groups, who perceive the proposal as an effort by the administration to centralize authority.

The discussion regarding the involvement of the military in electoral processes has been intensified by concerns that the independence of the CNE might be jeopardized, alongside the historical context of military involvement in Honduran politics. Entities like the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have recommended that reforms to Article 272 should be part of a wider redefinition of the Armed Forces’ roles, clearly outlining their powers and enhancing civilian oversight over the military. Recommendations also highlight the necessity of reinforcing the Ministry of Defense and evaluating the National Defense Legislative Commission, aiming to advance towards genuine democratic governance and diminish military sway in political affairs.

The debate about the involvement of the military in the elections in Honduras remains a key topic on the political agenda, with appeals for changes to guarantee the independence and openness of the voting process. Trust in the electoral system’s integrity is seen as essential for the nation’s democratic stability, and the ongoing discussion highlights the necessity to bolster civilian institutions and ensure fair and transparent elections.