Political inclusion in the 2025 Honduran elections: an urgent challenge

In Honduras, the current political climate has been shaped by public engagement advocating for democratic diversity and political inclusivity. In Tegucigalpa, a varied assembly of individuals, including members of civil organizations, college students, local leaders, and unaffiliated citizens, convened in front of the National Congress to conduct a non-violent vigil. The central aim of this protest was to insist on complete assurances and regard for smaller political parties amid the electoral proceedings set to end with the general elections in November 2025. This vigil, distinguished by its use of candles and signs, acted as a symbolic answer to what attendees perceive as a challenge to the multiparty framework, in the midst of claims regarding coercion, bureaucratic hurdles, and media exclusion of nascent parties.

The protest was also a platform to denounce practices that, according to the demonstrators, limit equitable participation in public debate, impose unjustified restrictions on party registration, and reproduce official narratives that delegitimize non-traditional groups. In addition, they pointed to the use of state resources to benefit pro-government parties. During the event, an open letter was delivered to the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Electoral Justice Tribunal (TJE), demanding equal conditions, transparency in access to public media, and protection against political harassment of independent or minority candidates.

Context of the electoral process and allegations of exclusion

The 2025 elections in Honduras are unfolding in a setting characterized by significant tension and division. The primary elections, conducted on March 9, included participation from the country’s three main parties: Libertad y Refundación (Libre), Partido Nacional, and Partido Liberal. These elections experienced notable setbacks in the distribution of electoral materials, especially in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, which led to dissatisfaction and claims of irregularities from both voters and political figures. The CNE admitted to logistical issues, whereas opposing groups claimed that these events were due to supposed interference by the military and the defense minister, who is also running for president.

In this scenario, upcoming groups have criticized legislative initiatives aiming to advance the deadline for presenting candidate rosters, which they view as a tactic limiting their participation opportunities and reinforcing political exclusion. These initiatives add to grievances about the disproportionate allocation of public resources and insufficient fair access to national media outlets. The worries of civic organizations and smaller parties center around safeguarding political diversity and preventing restrictive methods from becoming established before the general elections in November 2025.

Responses from institutions and requests from the public

A demonstration outside the National Congress emphasized society’s vigilant oversight of democracy. Participants formally presented their requests to election officials, urging that fair conditions be assured for every registered party and that clarity be maintained in distributing air time on state media. They further insisted on solid safeguards against political persecution, particularly for independent candidates and members of smaller parties.

The legislative period of the National Congress spanning from 2022 to 2026 commenced following the 2021 elections and has been characterized by division and internal turmoil, including disputes regarding the election of the leadership board and the splintering of political groups. This scenario has intensified the belief that these actions benefit established parties and obstruct the involvement of emerging political bodies. Civic organizations have reaffirmed their dedication to overseeing and safeguarding opportunities for expression and political involvement, highlighting that diversity is a crucial component of democracy in Honduras.