Congresswoman Maribel Espinoza voices alarm on constitutional order risks before election day

Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza warned of signs that, in her opinion, threaten the constitutional order ahead of the elections scheduled for November 30. In a context of high institutional polarization, the congresswoman called on the main opposition parties to act against what she considers a strategy by the ruling party to consolidate its power beyond democratic channels.

Indicators of potential issues in the election procedure

During a public speech, Espinoza accused the ruling party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), of promoting actions aimed at controlling the electoral apparatus for the purpose of remaining in power. Among her main concerns, she pointed to the possible manipulation of the National Electoral Council (CNE), a body currently embroiled in disputes over the vacancy left by councilor Ana Paola Hall.

The legislator indicated that the governing party is trying to create a favorable majority in the CNE, potentially undermining the fairness of the general elections. She also pointed out intentional hindrances in the election organization, which, according to her, could impact both the process and the outcomes.

In the legal field, Espinoza contended that the Public Ministry’s lack of action regarding accusations related to members of the ruling party strengthens a sense of impunity. She claimed that the absence of inquiries undermines institutional oversight and intensifies the disparity among government branches.

Call to opposition parties and concrete proposals

Given this situation, Espinoza urged the leaders of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to stand firm in defense of democratic principles. In his message, he called on them not to allow institutional setbacks or the renunciation of constitutional guarantees in the name of an apparent consensus.

As immediate actions, he suggested the prompt selection of Hall’s successor within the CNE to maintain the functionality of the electoral body. He also recommended prolonging the timeline for setting up the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), an essential method for enhancing the trustworthiness of the vote counting process.

Espinoza emphasized the need for honest dialogue, but stressed that this should not involve concessions that weaken the current legal framework. In her view, the defense of democratic order is a responsibility shared by all political and social sectors of the country.

A climate of growing institutional tension

The congresswoman’s remarks emerge during an extended stalemate in the National Congress, which has witnessed conflicts over the makeup of the CNE and the selection of new leaders for the Public Ministry. The absence of consensus has delayed crucial choices needed for the operation of vital institutions, escalating uncertainty about the forthcoming electoral process.

This context reflects the difficulties faced by the Honduran political system in resolving its differences within the institutional framework. With just a few months to go before the elections, questions remain about the impartiality of the electoral bodies, the performance of the justice system, and the real willingness of political actors to guarantee a free and transparent process.

Espinoza’s cautionary note, despite being expressed in adversarial language, underscores the strains impacting the nation’s institutional framework. The direction followed by the electoral process in November will be crucial in assessing the robustness of the democratic system and the government’s capacity to maintain its authenticity amidst increasing indications of conflict.