Política

The Honduran electoral environment has begun to attract unusual attention both inside and outside the country. With the 2025 general elections fast approaching, various organizations and security experts warn that signs of polarization could jeopardize the transparency and credibility of the elections, insisting on the need to safeguard the will of the people.Alerts regarding institutional frameworks and election operationsThe organization Transparencia Electoral issued a preliminary report warning about the country's institutional fragility, identifying tensions between the branches of government and deficiencies in the electoral bodies. The organization stressed that operational efficiency and strict compliance with the law will be crucial…

The concluding phase before the elections unfolds during a notably delicate period for Honduras. The pre-election atmosphere is characterized by political strains, economic anxieties, and cautionary statements regarding the state of democracy, as both international observers and US officials closely monitor the proceedings.Financial and business repercussionsVarious industries concur that the two-way relationship with the United States, the nation's primary commercial ally, has displayed indications of deterioration due to perceptions of political volatility and inconsistent communications from the administration. International trade experts caution that any disturbance in this connection could have prompt repercussions on job creation, capital expenditure, exports, and collaborative…

Public discourse has escalated as the November 30 elections draw near. Academics, civil society groups, and political figures are voicing concern about what they perceive as indications of partiality within the Armed Forces, an element that could jeopardize the institutional impartiality essential for ensuring a valid process.Indicators of prejudice and organizational issuesAccording to experts surveyed, the armed forces, legally tasked with safeguarding electoral materials and offering security assistance during elections, have displayed behaviors that might jeopardize their impartiality. These actions cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process, particularly as the nation's democratic stability faces intense examination.National and international…

The Honduran electoral landscape remains highly competitive ahead of the November 30 election. Polls continue to position Salvador Nasralla and Nasry “Tito” Asfura as the main contenders, while the ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, lags behind in third place with no signs of a significant rebound.Recent surveys indicate that both Nasralla and Asfura are attracting the attention of uncommitted voters, a group deemed crucial for influencing the ultimate result. Both contenders have increased their grassroots activities, emphasizing platforms centered on financial security, the anti-corruption effort, and administration, elements that the voting public appears to prioritize as the campaign nears its…

With less than a month remaining until the general elections on November 30, the continuation of the state of emergency in Honduras has sparked apprehension among civil society groups, experts, and international monitors. This decree, which temporarily suspends certain constitutional protections, prompts inquiries regarding the populace's capacity to exercise their entitlements during the electoral process.The ongoing extension of this suspension primarily impacts freedom of movement, public assemblies, and other fundamental liberties. Various societal groups caution that these limitations might influence voter participation, particularly in areas where civic engagement has traditionally played a crucial role in shaping outcomes.Threats to the integrity…

The recent publication of the Financial Inclusion Module within the November 2024 Permanent Multi-Purpose Household Survey (EPHPM), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics (INE Honduras) in collaboration with the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), provides an updated snapshot of the Honduran population's participation in the formal financial system. The survey, which covered 7,250 households equivalent to 26,576 people, provides highly representative data on access, use, and financial education, offering relevant information at a time marked by political debates on credit regulation.Credit use and determining factorsThe document shows that credit use is directly…

Recent polling conducted by CBS reveals a significant divide in perceptions surrounding the recent shutdown deal reached by lawmakers. According to the results, members of the Republican Party, including former President Donald Trump, are perceived as having extracted more advantages from this political agreement. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders and their supporters argue that their party made excessive compromises throughout the negotiation process.As the nation grappled with the looming threat of a government shutdown, discussions among party leaders intensified, leading to a last-minute resolution aimed at preventing disruption to essential government services. While the GOP appeared to emerge with favorable outcomes, Democrats…

The recent demonstrations, organized by factions linked to the LIBRE Party and rallying under the banner of "no turning back," have sparked increasing apprehension across various segments of Honduran society. With the general elections merely weeks away, the nation finds itself immersed in an environment characterized by heightened political polarization, a weakening of institutional erosion, and widespread public distrust regarding the electoral proceedings.Thousands of supporters of the ruling party gathered at various points in Tegucigalpa on a day that, according to government spokespeople, sought to “defend the refounding of the country and protect the popular vote.” However, for broad social…

With the general elections just weeks away, a range of political and business groups, along with civil society organizations, have voiced apprehension regarding the perceived institutional decline in Honduras. They also fear the potential implementation of a political control model akin to Venezuela's Chavismo, which some experts have dubbed the "Venezuela Plan."Various commentators suggest that this approach would be designed to centralize authority, impacting the autonomy of crucial organizations, and restricting the operations of private businesses and dissenting media outlets, by leveraging governmental assets and institutional influence to ensure the perpetuation of the governing party's political agenda.Indicators of organizational involvementAmong…

American political strategist Roger Stone, known for his closeness to former President Donald Trump, issued a warning about what he described as possible intentions by the LIBRE party to manipulate the electoral process in Honduras, sparking debate in diplomatic and political circles.In declarations disseminated through global media outlets and social platforms, Stone affirmed that "the Mel Zelaya administration aims to emulate the Nicolás Maduro model in Venezuela," cautioning that Honduran democratic principles might be jeopardized should the integrity of the ballot tabulation and the autonomy of the National Electoral Council (CNE) not be upheld.The United States needs to take notice.…