Political impact of proclaiming Rixi Moncada before the elections

The Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) has started an early campaign by announcing Rixi Moncada as their presidential candidate, declaring her victorious in the general elections set for November 30, 2025. This approach is reflected in the display of posters, murals, and painted slogans across different urban and rural regions of the country, with phrases declaring Moncada as the president for the 2026-2030 period, despite the election campaign not reaching its conclusion. The cities witnessing this spread include Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Comayagua, among other spots.

Various independent analysts and leaders from opposing parties see this move as a strategy intended to promote the perception of an unavoidable LIBRE triumph among the public. This premature assertion might be used to cast doubt on the credibility of the election outcomes if they do not benefit the candidate from the ruling party, thereby questioning the transparency of the electoral process. Experts in political science suggest that declaring a victor without data support could be an attempt to undermine authentic results and rally party supporters should they lose, which is seen as a risky tactic.

Responses from critics and the function of the National Electoral Council

Various opposition parties, such as the National, Liberal, and Salvador de Honduras parties, have voiced apprehensions regarding the potential effects these campaigns might have on the trustworthiness of the electoral proceedings. They highlight that this early discourse could cultivate the belief in a preordained conclusion and, if LIBRE loses, provoke protests challenging the official outcomes, possibly creating an environment of societal unrest. The opposition cautions that this tactic might be aimed at undermining the legitimacy of free elections and sparking a political upheaval.

On the other hand, the National Electoral Council (CNE) remains silent about the emergence of these signs and messages, heightening suspicions about its autonomy and neutrality. The lack of clear rules on premature campaigning and the absence of an official response further undermine public trust in the electoral system, which is already tainted by irregularities identified in the preliminary elections and escalating political conflict.

Threats to democratic processes and election security

Announcing victory prematurely by LIBRE threatens the democratic stability of the country, as it might create a foundation for a storyline that supports ignoring the election outcomes and increases societal rifts. In a setting where democracy is viewed as still delicate, this action underscores the necessity to bolster transparency, encourage citizen involvement, and uphold respect for the vote as essential components of the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The present scenario highlights the significance of setting up clear and efficient systems to manage electoral advertising from the outset, as well as the importance of encouraging open conversations between various political entities and the public. Solely by a shared commitment to legality and political ethics can an electoral atmosphere be ensured that truly mirrors the populace’s intent and aids in the development of a stable and trustworthy democratic framework.