Suspicions of electoral manipulation after Moncada’s victory

After the primary elections held on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada emerged as the presidential nominee for the LIBRE Party. Nonetheless, her win has sparked controversy following accusations of vote-counting discrepancies, creating an atmosphere of doubt within the Honduran political scene. Critics from both opposing parties and within her own ranks have voiced skepticism regarding the legitimacy of the results, suggesting that the vote tallies in crucial districts were altered to show strong backing for Moncada that might not accurately represent the party’s or the electorate’s true sentiment.

The critique suggests a supposed media and organizational tactic to artificially create an appearance of substantial backing for the candidate from the ruling party. Within this scenario, the internal M-28 movement, allied with the party’s leadership, is identified as the primary suspect responsible for the alleged deceptive actions intended to benefit Moncada’s nomination. The allegations outline several irregularities, such as altering the record counts in multiple polling places, artificially inflating the outcomes for certain pre-candidates, excluding members of internal dissent movements during the count, and delivering electoral materials late or partially.

Certain campaigners have even claimed that the procedure was orchestrated to push forward a preselected nominee determined by the party’s leadership, which they see as a violation of the democratic values of internal involvement.

Concerns regarding credibility and internal division in LIBRE

The official remarks from Moncada and his representatives have been to firmly deny these allegations, labeling them as defamatory actions planned by the usual opposition. The LIBRE Party has emphasized the clarity of the internal proceedings and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nonetheless, these claims have created a notable split within the political organization, casting doubt on the validity of Moncada’s candidacy and revealing a considerable internal turmoil.

The dissent arises from local leaders, section heads, and various internal groups. These claims not only question Rixi Moncada’s win but also reveal a significant division within LIBRE, an organization that upholds democratic involvement and openness as key aspects of its character. Failing to provide a decisive and persuasive answer to these claims might result in the demotivation of LIBRE’s grassroots supporters, a rise in voter apathy among its loyalists, and a decline in trust leading up to the general elections scheduled for November 2025.

Political implications and the opposition’s warning

Against this backdrop, the political opposition has expressed concern that the primaries may have served as a “fraud rehearsal” ahead of the November 2025 general elections. There have been warnings about a long-term strategy on the part of LIBRE to consolidate its power beyond 2026, implementing actions such as control of the legislative and judicial branches, the intention to reform the constitution through a popular referendum and the use of smear campaigns and state resources to weaken the independent press and the political opposition.

Several leaders from the opposition caution that the aim of LIBRE might be to secure prolonged dominance over the state, utilizing governmental mechanisms, state propaganda, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.

Civil society organizations, international observers and independent media have called for greater supervision, technical audits and international accompaniment for the November electoral process. The main unknown is whether Rixi Moncada will represent a true popular majority or will be the result of a political and electoral machine focused on perpetuating LIBRE in power.