Internal elections in Honduras: Moncada at the center of controversy

After the preliminary elections on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada became the frontrunner for the LIBRE Party as their presidential nominee. Nevertheless, her win sparked disputes due to accusations of vote-counting irregularities, creating an atmosphere of doubt within the Honduran political scene. Both adversaries and party insiders have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the outcomes, arguing that the vote tallies in crucial areas were altered to suggest substantial backing for Moncada that might not mirror the actual sentiment of the party or the voters at large.

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.

Several advocates have even proposed that the procedure was manipulated to introduce a preselected candidate favored by the party’s executives, which they view as a violation of the democratic values of internal involvement.

Inquiries regarding the credibility and inner division within LIBRE

The statement provided by Moncada and his representatives has been to categorically deny these allegations, labeling them as a campaign of defamation initiated by the usual adversaries. The LIBRE Party has affirmed the integrity of the internal procedures and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nonetheless, these allegations have led to a notable rift within the political faction, casting doubt on the validity of Moncada’s candidacy and revealing a major internal turmoil.

The expressions of discontent come from grassroots leaders, departmental coordinators and members of other internal factions. These accusations not only undermine the credibility of Rixi Moncada’s victory, but also evidence a deep rift within LIBRE, a party that has defended democratic participation and transparency as the foundations of its identity. The lack of a clear and convincing response to these accusations could lead to a demobilization of LIBRE’s grassroots support, an increase in abstentionism among its own followers and a loss of confidence in the run-up to the general elections of November 2025.

Political implications and the opposition’s warning

In this context, the political opposition has voiced worries that the primaries might have acted as a “trial run for fraud” before the general elections in November 2025. Concerns have arisen about a prolonged strategy by LIBRE to strengthen its influence beyond 2026, executing measures like gaining control over the legislative and judicial branches, aiming to amend the constitution via a popular vote, and employing disinformation tactics and state resources to undermine the independent media and political opponents.

Several leaders in the opposition caution that LIBRE aims to secure prolonged dominance over the state by utilizing government resources, official communications, and institutional authority to suppress opposing views.

Organizations within civil society, global monitors, and independent media outlets have urged enhanced oversight, technical reviews, and international support for the upcoming November elections. The primary question is whether Rixi Moncada will embody an authentic popular majority or if she will be the product of a political and electoral system aiming to maintain LIBRE’s power.