2025 elections in Honduras: judicial and military challenges

Honduras is nearing a national vote amidst escalating worries. Claims of irregularities, efforts to dominate organizations, and infringements on press autonomy overshadow the credibility of the voting procedure, sparking doubts about the country’s capability to conduct fair and clear elections.

The alert, triggered by a series of events that have caused alarm and mistrust among various sectors of society, focuses on the possible manipulation of key institutions, such as the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Armed Forces, and the National Electoral Council (CNE), with the aim of influencing the outcome of the elections and favoring certain political interests.

Attempts to prosecute the CNE and risks to electoral autonomy

Alert signals are sounding about the potential action by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to file charges against members of the CNE board, aiming to unsettle the electoral institution and secure the ruling party’s influence over the proceedings. Political insiders have noted unusual activities within the legal system, indicating forthcoming charges of purported administrative misconduct or misuse of power against board members perceived as independent or critical of the LIBRE party’s dominance over the CNE.

Analysts and opponents have characterized this supposed judicial scheme as a tactic to undermine the framework of the CNE and eliminate individuals who do not support the ruling party’s authority agenda. The concern is that a formal accusation will compel the councilors to resign, allowing for the selection of replacements favorable to the government.

Human rights organizations and citizen networks have warned of a possible “covert institutional coup” that seeks to reconfigure the electoral arbiter in favor of the ruling party in the final stretch before the elections. In response to this situation, various sectors have requested the intervention of the international community to monitor the actions of the Public Ministry and guarantee the independence of the electoral body.

Attacks on the press and restrictions on freedom of information

Amid rising political division, journalism in Honduras is undergoing one of its most challenging times since the nation’s transition to a democratic system. There are more frequent reports of harassment, threats, suppression, and assaults targeting independent media entities and journalists, originating from governmental figures and military personnel.

Entities like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) have sounded the alarm, signaling that a systematic suppression of the press, driven by those with authority, is emerging in Honduras. This aims to quiet dissenting voices, spread misinformation, and maintain full command over public dialogue as elections approach.

Over the past few months, journalists reporting on demonstrations have faced physical assaults, organized online harassment targeting critical reporters, limited access to public data, and unidentified threats against those probing into corruption.

During the coverage of protests, the presence of military personnel intimidating press teams, demanding identification, obstructing broadcasts, and confiscating journalistic equipment has been documented. In addition to physical and digital repression, the government has launched a stigmatization campaign against independent media and renowned journalists, labeling them “enemies of the people” or “destabilizers.”

Threats to the fairness of the voting process

The interplay among these elements—efforts to bring legal action against the CNE, doubts regarding the military’s involvement, and media criticism—generates an atmosphere of doubt concerning the reliability of the electoral proceedings in Honduras. The potential for manipulating pivotal institutions and curbing information dissemination presents significant risks to the elections’ openness and impartiality.

Considering this scenario, diverse parts of society have urged the global community to carefully observe the circumstances and insist on assurances of openness and respect for basic rights, aiming to ensure the people of Honduras can choose their leaders in a context of liberty and democratic values.