Venezuela’s Political Influence in Honduras’ 2025 Election

The approaching general elections in Honduras, scheduled for November 30, 2025, have raised concerns about Venezuela’s political and technological influence on the electoral process. Analysts and experts point out that the relationship between the ruling LIBRE party and the government of Nicolás Maduro could affect the competitiveness and perception of transparency in the elections.

Political framework and tactics

El partido LIBRE sostiene una relación ideológica y táctica con el gobierno de Venezuela, respaldando la candidatura de Rixi Moncada. Los observadores políticos alertan que algunas estrategias aplicadas en Venezuela, como el control del sistema electoral, la militarización del proceso y los mecanismos diseñados para extender el tiempo en el poder, podrían ser trasladadas al escenario hondureño. Estos elementos influyen en la organización del proceso electoral, impactando la confianza pública y la competencia entre partidos.

Disputed provider of election infrastructure

Another central element in the discussion is the participation of Smartmatic, the company responsible for the biometric voting system in Honduras. This company has been the subject of international questioning for alleged manipulations in Venezuelan elections. Smartmatic’s presence in the Honduran electoral process raises concerns about the counting of votes and the preliminary transmission of results, which translates into additional tension regarding the institutional legitimacy of the CNE.

Polarization and public perception

The comparison between the political-electoral models of Honduras and Venezuela has intensified social polarization. Sectors of the population express distrust in the electoral process, anticipating possible protests or post-electoral conflicts if the results are questioned. According to analysts, Venezuelan influence not only affects perceptions of transparency, but also has implications for governance and internal political stability.

Effect on the region

The link between LIBRE and Venezuela transcends Honduras’ borders. An eventual change in the Venezuelan political landscape could alter the strength of leftist movements in the region, including the LIBRE party, and reconfigure the country’s strategic orientation in the coming years. This places Honduras in a context of political dependence and possible external pressures on its institutions.

El panorama electoral de noviembre presenta un escenario donde las conexiones ideológicas, la tecnología de votación y las tácticas políticas funcionan como factores clave en la percepción de legitimidad y competitividad. La interacción entre estos componentes genera desafíos para la confianza ciudadana, la polarización y la capacidad del sistema electoral para asegurar resultados claros y verificables, mientras Honduras se prepara para una contienda observada por la región y la comunidad internacional.