The role of the CNE in Honduras in the face of a turbulent 2025 election

Honduras is nearing its general elections with mounting unease. Accusations of irregularities, efforts to dominate institutions, and threats to press freedom overshadow the electoral process, sparking worries about the nation’s capacity to conduct free and transparent elections.

The alert, triggered by a series of events that have caused alarm and mistrust among various sectors of society, focuses on the possible manipulation of key institutions, such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Armed Forces, and the National Electoral Council (CNE), with the aim of influencing the outcome of the elections and favoring certain political interests.

Efforts to litigate against the CNE and threats to voting independence

Alert signals are sounding about the potential action by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to file charges against members of the CNE board, aiming to unsettle the electoral institution and secure the ruling party’s influence over the proceedings. Political insiders have noted unusual activities within the legal system, indicating forthcoming charges of purported administrative misconduct or misuse of power against board members perceived as independent or critical of the LIBRE party’s dominance over the CNE.

Experts and adversarial leaders have labeled this purported judicial scheme as a tactic designed to destabilize the framework of the CNE and oust individuals not supportive of the ruling party’s agenda. There is a concern that an official accusation could compel the council members to resign, paving the way for appointing replacements favorable to the government.

Human rights groups and civic coalitions have issued warnings about a potential «hidden institutional coup» aimed at restructuring the election authority to benefit the governing party during the final phase leading up to the elections. In reaction to this scenario, multiple entities have called for international oversight to observe the conduct of the Public Ministry and ensure the autonomy of the electoral commission.

Attacks on the press and restrictions on freedom of information

In this context of growing political polarization, journalism in Honduras is facing one of its darkest periods since the return to democracy, with increasing reports of harassment, intimidation, censorship, and attacks against independent media outlets and journalists, coming from both government officials and members of the armed forces.

Institutions like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) have released immediate warnings, indicating that a trend of media suppression driven by the authorities is emerging in Honduras to mute dissenting voices, mislead the public, and secure complete domination of public dialogue before the elections.

In the last few months, reporters covering demonstrations have faced physical assaults, journalists who are critical have experienced organized online harassment, access to public data has been limited, and those conducting investigations into corruption have received anonymous threats.

Amid the reporting on demonstrations, instances of armed forces intimidating media crews, requesting ID, disrupting live reports, and seizing media gear have been recorded. Besides tangible and online suppression, the administration has initiated a campaign to disparage free press and famous reporters, calling them “public foes” or “agitators.”

Threats to the fairness of voting procedures

The interplay among these elements—efforts to bring legal action against the CNE, doubts regarding the military’s involvement, and media criticism—generates an atmosphere of doubt concerning the reliability of the electoral proceedings in Honduras. The potential for manipulating pivotal institutions and curbing information dissemination presents significant risks to the elections’ openness and impartiality.

In light of this scenario, different parts of society have urged the global community to keep a close watch on the situation and insist on assurances of transparency and the protection of basic rights to make sure the people of Honduras are able to choose their leaders in an environment of liberty and democracy.