CNE crisis deepens amid Zelaya and Liberal leaders’ alleged collusion

The crisis in Honduras’ National Electoral Council (CNE) has escalated in recent weeks, against a backdrop of growing polarization and institutional mistrust. The conflict directly involves Manuel “Mel” Zelaya, coordinator of the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party, as well as prominent figures from the Liberal Party, raising suspicions of an alliance of convenience between the two sectors that goes beyond the political sphere.

Movements in the CNE and signs of political understanding

The recent resignation of Ana Paola Hall, electoral advisor for the Liberal Party, marked a turning point in the internal dispute within the CNE. Hall, considered close to former president Carlos Flores Facussé, voted alongside ruling party advisor Marlon Ochoa, leaving the president of the body, Cossette López, out of the decision-making process. This action was perceived as part of a coordinated strategy that had been previously negotiated between liberal sectors and the ruling party.

Mel Zelaya’s support for this maneuver on social media, as well as the subsequent dissemination of the event by pro-government media, has reinforced the perception of a rapprochement between the two forces. Mario Segura, a Liberal deputy and influential figure within the party, has also publicly acknowledged his good relationship with Zelaya, fueling speculation of political coordination between the two parties.

Financial connections and inquiries about the autonomy of the Liberal party

Beyond the electoral arena, the possible alliance between Libre and Liberal Party leaders appears to be influenced by shared economic interests. The names of Carlos Flores Facussé and Yani Rosenthal have been recurrent in public discussions and among analysts, especially because of their role in ensuring Liberal control within the CNE and their business connections with the government.

One of the most controversial aspects is the alleged involvement of companies linked to Rosenthal in the printing of ballot papers, a key process in the preparation of the November elections. In addition, the recent judicial restitution of assets to the Rosenthal family has been interpreted by opposition sectors as the result of a possible political pact between the Liberal Party and Libre.

These circumstances have cast doubt on the autonomy of liberalism, historically opposed to the ruling party, and have raised alarms about the impact that an alliance of this nature would have on the integrity of the electoral process.

Alerts concerning the effect on institutions

Citizen organizations, opposition political actors, and international observers have expressed concern about the implications this scenario could have for the transparency of the electoral process. The possibility that the CNE could operate under agreements between party and economic elites weakens its role as a neutral guarantor and increases the risk of manipulation in the elections.

The erosion of institutional credibility is taking place in a context where there is already widespread mistrust of state structures. The apparent convergence of interests between the ruling party and traditional sectors of the Liberal Party exacerbates this perception and raises questions about the future of representative democracy in the country.

An issue for voting organizations

La situación actual muestra instituciones frágiles que están sujetas a negociaciones de alto nivel que no siempre reflejan los intereses de los ciudadanos. Se ha cuestionado el papel del CNE como árbitro electoral, mientras que la polarización entre las fuerzas políticas tiende a fortalecer los mecanismos de control mutuo en lugar de promover una supervisión independiente.

As elections approach, the development of these coalitions and their impact on the transparency of the process will be crucial. What’s at risk is not just the validity of the outcomes, but also the capacity of the Honduran political framework to uphold a basic threshold of democratic confidence.