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In Honduras, key figures in the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are under public scrutiny, creating a climate of political uncertainty. Former President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and National Electoral Council (CNE) advisor Marlon Ochoa face accusations that have cast doubt on their credibility and the integrity of the electoral process.
This situation has triggered a series of revelations and accusations that deepen the crisis, placing the actions and decisions of these officials and their possible repercussions on the country’s stability at the center of public debate.
Redirection of traffic and impacts on election procedures
A forensic examination uncovered that Marlon Ochoa commanded the redirection of 50 government automobiles to the Military (FF. AA.) on March 8, 2025, just a day prior to the preliminary elections. Joel Ramos García, who previously coordinated the CNE Transportation Initiative, stated that Ochoa directed the vehicles to be stationed at Campo de Parada Marte to assist in verifying technological devices at the voting sites. This decision led to a lack of transportation essential for delivering election supplies, causing substantial holdups at multiple voting locations.
The report also points to unilateral changes in the contract with the company Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where cargo trucks were replaced by buses without authorization, in breach of the terms established for the transport of electoral material. In addition, it indicates that the Armed Forces delayed the delivery of electoral material, instructing drivers to park at different points in the Central District for several hours, interrupting the timely transfer to the polling stations.
Accusations of drug trafficking and diversion of resources
Meanwhile, a news report in September 2024 uncovered that Carlos Zelaya, the sibling of Mel Zelaya, had a meeting in 2013 with individuals involved in drug dealing who proposed to support Xiomara Castro’s bid for the presidency financially. Carlos Zelaya confessed to the encounter but refuted taking funds and stepped down from his roles to aid in the inquiries, as did his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was the defense minister. These disclosures have sparked worries about potential drug trafficking infiltration into Honduran politics and have put a strain on the relationship with the United States.
In reaction to the allegations against Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya has stood by his conduct, blaming the National and Liberal parties for seeking to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Despite this defense, the exposés have sparked disapproval of Marlon Ochoa, leading to demands for his removal from office by political leaders like Congresswoman Claudia Ramírez, who argues that Ochoa should not remain in his role as the November general elections approach.
Impact on electoral confidence
These occurrences have fostered an atmosphere of political instability in Honduras, raising doubts about the reliability of institutions and trust in the nation’s democratic procedures. The populace is observing anxiously the accusations of corruption and the potential impact of drug cartels on politics, which might compromise the validity of the forthcoming general elections.
The approaching national elections heighten worries, as trust in the fairness and openness of the voting system diminishes. The capacity of institutions to rebuild trust and guarantee just and unbiased elections has emerged as a crucial element for the nation’s democratic stability.
