Honduras 2025 elections: risk of fraud due to military interference

With the arrival of November 2025, there is rising unease across multiple sectors about the national elections in Honduras. It appears that the LIBRE Party aims to consolidate authority over the National Electoral Council (CNE), an essential organization in managing and overseeing the electoral proceedings. At the same time, the involvement of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the elections has triggered concerns, with allegations of meddling during the primary voting.

The CNE, entrusted with ensuring transparent and equitable elections, is being closely watched because there is a perception that its deputy judges act according to prevailing political agendas, especially those allied with the party in power. This introduces the chance that the primary councillors might be removed, aiming for partiality within the CNE’s electoral processes. Concerns exist about possible interference in the party accreditation, manipulation of vote counting, and the final approval of results.

Potential government influence over the CNE and threats to voting transparency

Leaders of the opposition voice their worries over the potential influence on the CNE to secure the ongoing political agenda of the LIBRE Party. Claims involve altering the voter list and managing the tally, creating an atmosphere of skepticism. The issue worsens with accusations of internal deceit in the LIBRE Party’s primary elections, doubts about the misappropriation of public resources, and broad skepticism towards the electoral bodies.

If these warnings materialize, Honduras could face a post-electoral crisis with serious consequences for political stability. National and international organizations have urged the strengthening of the CNE’s independence and increased transparency in the electoral process. The question mark over the possibility of fair elections with an electoral body perceived as controlled generates uncertainty over the legitimacy of the future government.

Increasing concern about the involvement of the military in the voting process

Concurrently, allegations have been made against the military by the opposition, claiming disruptions during the preliminary voting process. Alleged issues included delays in providing election materials, intimidating military presence at certain voting sites, restricted entry to voting locations, and halted electoral transport in opposition territories. These events, noted by monitors, spur concerns about the potential militarization of the voting procedure.

The growing involvement of the military in civil matters, driven by the reigning party, is seen as a strategy to reinforce their political dominance. This scenario brings up concerns about the neutrality of the military, whose established duty in election security is jeopardized by lack of transparency and political sway. Both the CNE and international monitors are encouraged to insist on impartiality and conduct thorough oversight. There is a warning that a potentially slanted action by the military could lead to a democratic crisis, casting doubt on voting freedom and the actions of institutions tasked with maintaining peace under political coercion.