In Honduras, significant individuals from the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are being publicly scrutinized, leading to a politically uncertain environment. Ex-President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and National Electoral Council (CNE) advisor Marlon Ochoa are confronting accusations that have raised concerns about their trustworthiness and the legitimacy of the electoral procedure.
The current scenario has led to a series of disclosures and allegations that intensify the turmoil, bringing the activities and choices of these authorities and their potential consequences on the nation’s steadiness to the forefront of societal discussion.
Rerouting of cars and impacts on election logistics
A forensic examination uncovered that Marlon Ochoa commanded the redirection of 50 government automobiles to the Military (FF. AA.) on March 8, 2025, just a day prior to the preliminary elections. Joel Ramos García, who previously coordinated the CNE Transportation Initiative, stated that Ochoa directed the vehicles to be stationed at Campo de Parada Marte to assist in verifying technological devices at the voting sites. This decision led to a lack of transportation essential for delivering election supplies, causing substantial holdups at multiple voting locations.
The document highlights one-sided modifications in the agreement with the company Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where freight trucks were substituted with buses without consent, violating the stipulated conditions for transporting election materials. Furthermore, it notes that the Armed Forces postponed the handover of election materials, directing drivers to wait at various locations in the Central District for extended periods, hindering the prompt delivery to voting centers.
Claims of involvement in narcotics trade and misallocation of funds
Meanwhile, a journalistic investigation in September 2024 revealed that Carlos Zelaya, Mel Zelaya’s brother, met in 2013 with drug traffickers who offered to finance Xiomara Castro’s presidential campaign. Carlos Zelaya admitted to the meeting but denied accepting money and resigned from his posts to facilitate the investigations, as did his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was defense minister. These revelations have raised concerns about the possible infiltration of drug trafficking into Honduran politics and have strained relations with the United States.
En respuesta a las acusaciones contra Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya ha justificado sus acciones, culpando a los partidos Nacional y Liberal de intentar deslegitimar el proceso electoral. No obstante, estas revelaciones han suscitado críticas hacia Marlon Ochoa, con voces que piden su destitución, incluyendo a figuras políticas como la congresista Claudia Ramírez, quien considera que Ochoa no debería seguir en su cargo antes de las elecciones generales de noviembre.
Impact on electoral confidence
These events have created a climate of political uncertainty in Honduras, calling into question the integrity of institutions and confidence in the country’s democratic process. Citizens are watching with concern the allegations of embezzlement and the possible influence of drug trafficking in politics, which could affect the legitimacy of the upcoming general elections.
The proximity of the general elections intensifies concerns, as confidence in the impartiality and transparency of the electoral process is eroded. The ability of institutions to restore credibility and ensure fair and equitable elections has become a determining factor for the country’s democratic stability.
