US congressman critiques Honduras’ political leadership, urges halt to ruling party’s candidacy

María Elvira Salazar

US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed concern about the political direction Honduras is taking, warning of the possible consolidation of an ideological model akin to so-called 21st-century socialism. In this context, she urged Honduran citizens to reject the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), in the elections scheduled for November 2025.

Criticism of the Honduran government’s geopolitical alliance

During her statements in Washington, Salazar denounced what she considers an attempt by the Honduran ruling party to replicate a scheme inspired by the governments of Cuba and Venezuela. According to the legislator, both President Xiomara Castro and her ally and political successor, Rixi Moncada, are promoting an authoritarian agenda, backed by alliances with governments that she described as “corrupt and failed.”

In addition, the Republican congresswoman presented a bill before the US Congress aimed at restricting entry into US territory for candidates participating in electoral processes considered corrupt. This measure, although not specifically targeted, is part of a critical stance toward political actors who, according to Salazar, compromise the democratic stability of the region.

Appeal to residents and community responses

The legislator made a direct appeal to Honduran citizens to actively participate in the general elections on November 30, 2025. In her words, the challenge is to “defeat socialism” at the polls and prevent Honduras from continuing an ideological shift that, in her view, would pose a threat to representative democracy. To this end, she proposed unifying the opposition around a single candidate who can successfully challenge the ruling party.

The remarks have captured the attention of opposition groups in Honduras, who have been attempting to create a coalition to contest the Libre party for months. In the nation, Salazar’s address is perceived by certain individuals as a clear endorsement of the opposition, whereas the administration views these remarks as proof of meddling from abroad.

Division in elections and the political landscape

Rixi Moncada was recently confirmed as the LIBRE presidential candidate after winning the party’s primary elections by a landslide.

Her candidacy comes at a time of high political polarization, criticism of the government’s performance, and tensions over the concentration of power in the executive branch. The ruling party is seeking to remain in power for a second consecutive term, which has raised concerns among social, political, and business sectors.

Among the main points of debate are the direction of Honduran foreign policy, the country’s closeness to governments not aligned with Washington, and allegations of authoritarian practices within the state apparatus.

A global demand affecting the political sphere

The electoral landscape in Honduras is evolving under the watchful eyes of international figures such as Congresswoman Salazar. They are increasingly worried about the nation’s institutional trajectory. These foreign cautions align with a phase where the opposition is restructuring, aiming to rally together against a well-established pro-government contender.

As the official campaign draws near, the nation confronts the challenge of maintaining a competitive, transparent, and uninterrupted electoral procedure within a context where ideological, geopolitical, and societal pressures are impacting democratic stability and institutional equilibrium.