_-_copia.jpeg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "Elections in Honduras")
Within the political landscape of Honduras, the upcoming national elections in November 2025 are poised to be a crucial turning point for the nation’s democracy. Analysts, opposition figures, and civil society groups have highlighted that division among opposition parties might enable the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party to strengthen its stronghold in governance. This scenario triggers worries about the potential for the country to embrace a political framework akin to that of other Latin American countries where power concentration has restricted institutional oversight.
The political landscape is characterized by rising tensions, where extending the state of emergency, controlling crucial institutions like the National Electoral Council (CNE), and passing laws under opaque conditions have heightened concerns about potential institutional decay. In addition, recent opposition protests and global alerts stress the significance of preserving the democratic process’s integrity. Consequently, the nation stands at a pivotal moment where the opposition’s capacity to develop a unified approach will be critical for maintaining power balance.
The risk of opposition fragmentation and the consolidation of LIBRE
The division within the opposition in Honduras is a significant hurdle for those aiming to stop LIBRE from amassing too much power. In the National Congress, the power dynamics have altered with the exit of prominent members like Jorge Cálix. This shift complicates the effort to form majorities and underscores the instability of congressional agreements. At present, the National Party holds 43 seats, LIBRE possesses 41, the Liberal Party controls 35, and the remaining seats are held by smaller parties and independents, necessitating ongoing discussions to approve important measures.
FREE, on the other hand, has tried to bolster its institutional command by aiming to oversee the {CNE} during the voting period and retaining sway over the Supreme Court of Justice. This aspiration for dominance has been turned down by the opposition, who view it as a threat to the fairness and validity of the elections. Furthermore, the ongoing role of Defense Minister Rixi Moncada as a candidate for president without stepping down has sparked ethical concerns and has been seen as an indication of the governing party’s intention to stay in authority.
The gamble on a grand coalition and the future of democracy
Against this backdrop, various voices have argued that the only viable alternative to halting LIBRE’s advance is the formation of a mega opposition alliance. This coalition should include figures such as Salvador Nasralla, sectors of the National Party, moderate liberals, emerging movements, and independent leaders. The goal would be to restore constitutional order, halt the advance of populist tendencies, revive the economy, and unify the country under an agenda of national unity.
However, the construction of this alliance faces obstacles stemming from mistrust, particular interests, and a history of internal divisions. The lack of coordination could become a historic mistake that facilitates the consolidation of a single-party model and the weakening of democratic checks and balances. With elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, the time to articulate an effective response is limited, and the risk of institutional regression is perceived as real by different sectors of Honduran society.
