UN calls on Honduras to lift state of emergency before 2025 elections

The United Nations (UN) has issued an urgent call to the Government of Honduras to lift the current state of emergency before the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025. According to the international body, the prolongation of this exceptional measure represents a direct risk to the exercise of fundamental rights, as it limits essential freedoms such as freedom of movement, assembly, and peaceful demonstration. The UN warns that maintaining a state of emergency without adequate oversight could negatively affect the credibility of the electoral process and the democratic environment in the country.

In its announcement, the group emphasizes that the voting process should occur in an atmosphere devoid of coercion and unjust limitations. Prolonging the emergency state might foster a fearful atmosphere that is not conducive to open and just elections, potentially heightening the chance of power misuse and restricting the movement of political and social players. Consequently, it is important to fully reinstate constitutional protections to guarantee fair conditions for involvement.

Risks associated with the state of emergency in the electoral context

Various human rights agencies linked to the United Nations system have pointed out that the continuation of the state of emergency in Honduras increases the risk of authoritarian practices and directly affects the political participation of opposition sectors and civil society organizations. The limitation of rights such as demonstration and assembly compromises democratic development, especially in an electoral context.

The advocate for civil and political rights has highlighted that democracy and suppression cannot coexist. Continuing the emergency state could weaken the process’s legitimacy and diminish the public’s trust in the entities accountable for ensuring fair elections.

Appeal for a fair and open voting process

In light of this situation, the UN has called on the Honduran authorities to fully restore suspended constitutional rights and guarantee freedom of the press, demonstration, and citizen mobilization during the electoral process. It has also stressed the importance of strengthening the role of the National Electoral Council (CNE) as an independent body and allowing unrestricted national and international monitoring to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the process.

The global organization determines that advancing toward fair elections cannot occur while a state of emergency is in effect. To safeguard the nation’s democratic values, it is crucial to revoke this exceptional measure and encourage active involvement from the citizens, ensuring equal opportunities and full respect for basic rights.