Experts discuss risk of election fraud in Honduras

With less than two months to go before the general elections scheduled for November 2025, electoral process specialists have issued warnings about possible maneuvers by the National Electoral Council (CNE) that could favor the ruling party’s candidate, Rixi Moncada. According to analysts, members of the ruling party LIBRE, in conjunction with CNE officials, would have the ability to interfere with critical systems such as the TREP (Transmission of Preliminary Election Results), altering the outcome of the vote.

Networks of influence in the electoral process

The danger of manipulation extends beyond the CNE. Numerous specialists highlight the role of technology firms associated with the deployment of voting systems, along with the potential participation of specific economic groups, in a framework designed to ensure pre-established outcomes. This situation is compounded by the systematic marginalization of new political parties and the legal actions against opposition candidates, tactics that may restrict genuine competition and consolidate control over the voters.

Incidents during the March primary elections, in which the distribution of electoral material was handled by officials with ties to LIBRE, revealed logistical problems and significant delays. These failures generated mistrust among the public and raised concerns about the transparency of the upcoming elections.

Implications for institutional legitimacy

Specialists caution that claims of election fraud might serve as a tactic to undermine unfavorable outcomes or legitimize demonstrations, potentially escalating societal and political division prior to the vote. Public vigilance and calls for changes in the electoral process are crucial steps to stop the nation from repeating patterns of dispute and governmental discord.

The involvement of the CNE in managing essential systems like the TREP, alongside the participation of political and economic figures, creates a situation where the perception of openness will be crucial for trust in democratic institutions. Specialists indicate that the trustworthiness of the electoral process relies heavily on the controls and audits operating in an impartial and verifiable way.

Public scrutiny and involvement

In light of this situation, civil society and political parties have a central role to play in overseeing compliance with the law and the integrity of the process. The coordination of observation mechanisms and attention to judicial proceedings related to dissident candidates are considered key steps in ensuring free and fair elections.

The Honduran political landscape shows tensions marked by the interaction between power actors, emerging parties, and electoral structures. The country’s ability to maintain democratic stability will depend on the effectiveness of institutional controls and the active participation of citizens in overseeing the electoral process.