The political future of Honduras, between the consolidation of power and the preservation of democracy

Honduras is currently experiencing a pivotal moment in its political scene, as multiple representatives from civil society, the political opposition, and the media have voiced significant alarm regarding what they perceive as a shift towards authoritarianism by the LIBRE Party, particularly in light of the general elections scheduled for November 2025.

Alarms within Honduran society have been raised by a series of government actions that suggest a worrying erosion of democratic principles. These actions cover a spectrum that goes from the limitation of fundamental civil liberties, essential for the full exercise of citizenship, to the implementation of mechanisms that seek to exercise ever greater control over the media, crucial actors in the formation of public opinion and the control of power.

A further aspect is the view of a calculated plan to concentrate authority within the different governmental bodies, potentially leading to a reduction in the independence of branches of government and, consequently, the vital checks and balances in a functional democratic framework. The coming together of these trends has created an atmosphere of unease and concern among multiple groups, who perceive these moves as indicative of a path toward a system with dictatorial traits.

Challenges to basic freedoms: demonstrations, media and military

Among the actions that have generated controversy is the alleged criminalization of social protest, since there have been complaints about the promotion of laws and decrees that allow the use of force and the prosecution of citizens who demonstrate, even in peaceful protests. In this sense, there have been reports of arbitrary arrests of community leaders, disproportionate police deployments and threats of prosecution against social organizations critical of the government.

Conversely, there is a shared worry regarding press freedom. Journalists and media entities facing criticism have been subjected to defamation efforts, limited availability of public information, pressure from financial, legal, and advertising angles, along with incidents of violence and intimidation. Groups like Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have voiced their alarm over the declining state of press freedom within the nation.

Another controversial issue concerns the state of affairs inside the Armed Forces. Allegations have emerged regarding a supposed selective removal of officers who are not aligned with the political stance of the governing party, along with the redistribution or partial stripping of strategic roles to commanders aligned with the governing party. These moves have sparked worries over the potential politicization of the military organization.

The challenge of democracy in Honduras

The actions against the press and civil society are aimed at silencing dissident voices, while at the same time suggesting a broader strategy to dismantle the democratic counterweights and consolidate hegemonic power.

This issue has sparked worries about carrying out a plan that, as per experts and critics, aims to strengthen the LIBRE Party’s influence within state bodies through institutional dominance, changes to the constitution, targeting opposition and critical media, and utilizing state resources for political favor. Focus has been placed on efforts to dominate the National Electoral Council, appointing individuals associated with the party’s extreme faction, endeavors to amend the constitution, establishing entities parallel to the government, and moving away from the United States.

In the year 2025, the general elections are regarded as a vital turning point for the future of democracy in Honduras. The people must choose between enabling the establishment of an authoritarian regime or supporting the preservation of democratic systems.