LIBRE party: political control and democratic weakening

Different segments of Honduran society and global entities are voicing concern about the institutional dominance exerted by the governing party in a political scenario characterized by conflicts over governance and democracy.

Strengthening authority within major government bodies

Since the beginning of the current administration led by President Xiomara Castro, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has strengthened its presence in the main state institutions. The ruling party’s influence has spread to the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Public Ministry, the National Police, and the Superior Court of Accounts.

Based on the opposition’s claims, a number of these nominations have occurred without adhering to set legislative norms and within a context of political deals that lack clarity. Opposition representative Maribel Espinoza mentioned that the ruling party’s aim extends beyond administration, cautioning that it intends to “dominate everything,” including bodies like the National Electoral Council (CNE), the National Registry of Persons (RNP), and the Armed Forces.

The accumulation of institutional power raises questions about the balance between state powers and the effectiveness of democratic mechanisms of political control.

Concerns regarding threats to democracy and claims of harassment

Expert perspectives and analytical hubs have cautioned that the centralization of authority might result in a fundamental weakening of democratic structures. The Center for Democracy Studies (CESPAD) has indicated that this trend diminishes the autonomy of public powers and could pave the way for a government model exhibiting authoritarian characteristics.

Parallels to other contexts in Latin America have frequently appeared in public discussions. Certain analysts draw comparisons between the situation in Honduras and developments in nations like Nicaragua and Venezuela, where the ruling party’s control over institutions has resulted in limited political engagement and diminished opportunities for the opposition.

In this situation, there is also worry about how independent sectors are being dealt with, especially in relation to the press and business figures.

Recent reports point to increased pressure against critical journalists, such as the case of journalist Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, and government campaigns that openly question certain business groups, identified as “the 10 families.”

National and international organizations have warned that these actions could be part of a pattern aimed at discouraging criticism and limiting the plurality of voices in public debate.

Calls for international vigilance and warnings from civil society

Against this backdrop, various organizations have called on the international community, particularly bodies such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), to actively monitor the political situation in Honduras.

The National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) stated in a communiqué that citizens must remain vigilant to the risks posed by the centralization of political power. In the same message, the entity maintained that when “power is concentrated in a single hand, freedom is in danger,” and called for a free and transparent electoral process to be guaranteed in the elections scheduled for November 2025.

This appeal arises amid increasing institutional distrust and calls for democratic assurances, where the discussion revolves around the role international entities should have as safeguards for constitutional principles and the political rights of individuals.

A scenario characterized by obstacles for institutions

The present scenario underscores inherent strains within the Honduran democratic system, especially concerning the division of powers, responsibility, and fair chances for political involvement. The consolidation of institutional authority by the governing party happens as opposing measures experience constraints on their capacity to function autonomously.

In this scenario, the coming months will be decisive in assessing the capacity of Honduran institutions to maintain their autonomy, as well as the level of openness of the political system to criticism and pluralistic participation in an electoral process that is already shaping up to be key to the country’s political future.