Controversies and proposals regarding military participation in Honduran elections

The credibility of the Honduran Armed Forces as guarantors of the electoral process has been the subject of intense public debate following the primary elections held on March 9, 2025. Various social sectors and opposition parties have expressed concern about a series of logistical irregularities, particularly in the distribution of electoral materials in key cities such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, where delays of up to twelve hours were reported in the delivery of ballot boxes. This situation led to long lines of voters, citizen protests, and a general atmosphere of frustration, evident both at polling stations and on social media, where images and testimonies circulated about the lack of materials and the scarce presence of personnel at the polling stations.

The National Electoral Commission recognized the challenges in distribution, blaming them on unforeseen alterations in the transportation method, shifting from trucks to buses, which disrupted coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the Commission attempted to manage the situation and retrieve the absent ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, chiefly in the capital, where prolonging the voting hours did not satisfy the expectations of voters eager to cast their ballots.

Questions about the role of the armed forces in the electoral process

In this scenario, the Armed Forces reiterated their dedication to democracy and election transparency, ensuring they would follow the timeline set by the CNE. Meanwhile, the government fully backed the military, emphasizing its importance in security and election logistics. Nonetheless, CNE President Cossette López highlighted that the Armed Forces did not take accountability for the delays and mentioned incidents of verbal aggression by General Roosevelt Hernández, head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This institutional strain between the CNE and the Armed Forces heightened worries about the fairness and effectiveness of the electoral process planned for November 2025.

The legal structure of Honduras, specifically Article 272 of the Constitution, designates the Armed Forces with the duty of overseeing the transition of power and managing the custody, transport, and supervision of election materials, in partnership with the CNE. However, there are explicit restrictions for Armed Forces members, such as meddling in the operations of the Voting Reception Boards, influencing votes, engaging in party activities, or unjustifiably delaying the distribution of election materials. Despite these limitations, the existing institutional setup still positions the military as protectors of democracy, a scenario that is rare on the international stage and, according to some examinations, highlights the country’s vulnerability and low level of democratic quality.

Suggestions for change and discussion on armed forces involvement

In response to recent developments, there has been a surge in calls for constitutional changes aimed at reducing or removing the involvement of the Armed Forces in election processes. Juan Carlos Barrientos, an expert in constitutional law, has emphasized the importance of delegating electoral responsibilities to civilian authorities, insisting that these procedures should solely be managed by such entities. Likewise, Congressman Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) introduced a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, which seeks to limit military engagement in electoral affairs and bolster civilian authority. Nevertheless, this proposal has elicited mixed reactions, even within his own party and from opposition groups, who perceive it as an effort by the ruling party to consolidate power.

The discussion about the armed forces’ involvement in election matters has been intensified by the belief that the independence of the CNE might be compromised and due to a history of military interventions in Honduras’ political scene. Institutions like the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have proposed that amending Article 272 should come with a more extensive redesign of the roles of the Armed Forces, limiting their authority and enhancing civilian oversight over the military body. Suggestions also focus on reinforcing the Ministry of Defense and reevaluating the National Defense Legislative Commission, aiming to achieve true democratic governance and minimize military sway in political affairs.

The ongoing debate regarding the involvement of the military in the elections of Honduras remains a key topic on the political agenda, with demands for changes to secure the independence and clarity of the voting process. Belief in the fairness of the election system is deemed essential for the nation’s democratic stability, and the current conversation highlights the necessity to bolster civilian organizations and ensure elections are open and fair.