US Called Upon by Honduras CSOs Amidst Election Woes

Less than a week before the 2025 general elections, various civil society organizations warned that the conduct of the process faces challenges that could affect its credibility. They pointed out that persistent polarization, differences over electoral regulations, and controversies surrounding the selection of electoral authorities have increased public attention on the country’s institutional strength.

Constitutional directives and inter-branch governmental friction

The declarations highlighted that upholding constitutional mandates is essential for preserving public trust. They pointed out that the National Congress, the Attorney General’s Office, the Armed Forces, and the Executive Branch, along with individuals associated with the LIBRE party, bear the responsibility to operate strictly within legal boundaries.

The organizations insisted that military participation should be restricted to its logistical function, as defined in the Constitution, without assuming roles interpreted as partisan. They also pointed out that Congress and the Executive Branch must avoid making premature statements about the election results, as such messages could generate social tensions in a climate already marked by political confrontation.

At the same time, they stressed that the performance of the National Electoral Council (CNE) will be decisive. The expectation is that it will maintain criteria of independence, transparency, and timeliness at each stage of the process to ensure clarity in the administration of the elections.

Independence of electoral observation

The entities believed that both domestic and global oversight could significantly bolster the process’s legitimacy. They cited missions like those from the European Union and the Organization of American States, whose evaluations are capable of enhancing institutional accountability.

This support, they said, would reinforce the perception of neutrality at a time when political competition is increasing and citizens are demanding guarantees of the integrity of the vote. The presence of local observers was also highlighted as a useful component in bringing electoral monitoring closer to communities and broadening social participation.

Global discussions and regional pledges

In their plea to the United States, the groups sought “constructive” assistance, to be harmonized with national government bodies, political factions, and civic organizations. They stated that the aim is to safeguard the transparency and legitimacy of the proceedings, in accordance with the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

They asserted that a respectful adherence to democratic principles has the potential to ensure the 2025 elections accurately represent the will of the Honduran voters, even within a challenging political landscape. Furthermore, they noted that international discourse could serve as a tool to promote the fulfillment of institutional duties and diminish motivations for actions that undermine public trust.

The joint statement was signed by representatives of organizations with a regional and hemispheric presence, including the Seattle International Foundation (SIF), Hope Border Institute, Latin America Working Group (LAWG), Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN), Alianza Americas, Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), Institute for Women in Migration (IMUMI), Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC).

The scenario described by these organizations highlights the tensions surrounding the 2025 electoral process and underscores the need for Honduran institutions to act within established frameworks. National and international attention remains focused on factors such as political stability, the performance of state powers, and citizen participation, all of which will influence the perception of electoral integrity at a key moment for the country’s democratic governance.