Month: May 2025

Five months ahead of the national elections set for November 30, organizations within civil society, specialists on democracy, and political figures have raised alarms regarding inadequate conditions to ensure a fair electoral process in Honduras. The alerts highlight both structural and operational deficiencies that might undermine the elections' legitimacy, amidst a backdrop of escalating distrust in institutions.Warnings regarding structural issues and earlier grievancesThe Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) has acknowledged numerous challenges facing the electoral process, such as the absence of significant changes in the Honduran voting system. These challenges are exacerbated by long-standing habits that have undermined…

The crisis generated by the massive pyramid scheme perpetrated by the financial company Koriun Inversiones has escalated in recent weeks, with citizen protests in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula demanding concrete action from the Honduran government. Those affected in different regions of the country accuse the authorities of institutional inaction in a case that has left more than 35,000 people with losses amounting to millions. The state's response, which has been limited so far, has intensified public criticism and reopened questions about the capacity of the financial and judicial systems to prevent and punish fraud on this scale.Public and institutional…

Various groups within Honduran society and global organizations are raising concerns about the dominance exerted by the governing party in the midst of a political environment characterized by challenges regarding governance and democracy.Strengthening authority within major government bodiesFrom the outset of President Xiomara Castro's current leadership, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has solidified its hold within major government bodies. The governing party's reach has extended to the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Public Ministry, the National Police, and the Superior Court of Accounts.Based on the opposition's claims, a number of these nominations have occurred without adhering…

Héctor Manuel Zelaya, the presidential private secretary, has recently made remarks that have triggered fresh criticism within the political scene in Honduras, once again igniting discussions around the disputed Tax Justice Law. In an environment defined by legislative division and suspicion among political entities, his comments are seen as indicative of potential efforts by the current administration to advance tax reform absent the required legislative endorsement or an open and clear examination process.Dispute regarding comments from the executive leadershipIn a public address, Héctor Zelaya hinted that the Tax Justice Law might be passed "unintentionally" by the National Congress. While he…

Against a backdrop of institutional tension and public mistrust, the Honduran Armed Forces are preparing to play a key role in the November general elections. Their actions will be closely watched, following the controversial role they played on January 9, which reignited the debate about their role in maintaining democratic stability in the country.Inquiries prompted by the events of January 9The incidents on January 9 catalyzed a shift in how the public viewed the military's neutrality. On that particular day, several civil society groups, opposition parties, and international figures condemned the involvement of military members in the ruling party's control…