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 bodies
From 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 to set legislative norms and within a context of political deals that lack clarity. Opposition representative Maribel Espinoza mentioned that the ruling party’s aim extends beyond administration, cautioning that it intends to “dominate everything,” including bodies like the National Electoral Council (CNE), the National Registry of Persons (RNP), and the Armed Forces.
The accumulation of institutional power raises questions about the balance between state powers and the effectiveness of democratic mechanisms of political control.
Alerts concerning threats to democracy and claims of oppression
Expert voices and analysis centers have warned that the process of power concentration could lead to a structural weakening of democracy. The Center for Democracy Studies (CESPAD) has pointed out that this dynamic erodes the independence of public powers and could facilitate a model of government with authoritarian traits.
Comparisons with other contexts in Latin America have frequently appeared in public discussions. Certain experts draw parallels between the situation in Honduras and developments in nations like Nicaragua and Venezuela, where the governing party’s control of institutions has resulted in limiting political involvement and diminishing the capacity for opposition parties.
Additionally, there is worry about how independent domains, especially media outlets and business participants, are being handled in this situation.
Recent analyses indicate growing challenges faced by investigative journalists, exemplified by the case of reporter Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, along with governmental initiatives that publicly criticize specific business entities, referred to as “the 10 families.”
National and international organizations have warned that these actions could be part of a pattern aimed at discouraging criticism and limiting the plurality of voices in public debate.
Appeals for global awareness and alerts from community organizations
In this context, numerous groups have urged the global community, especially entities like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), to closely observe the political developments in Honduras.
The National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) declared in a statement that people should stay alert to the dangers that come with consolidating political power. In that communication, the organization asserted that “when authority is concentrated in one hand, liberty is at risk,” and urged for a fair and open electoral procedure to be ensured in the elections planned for November 2025.
This appeal arises in a situation where there is increasing skepticism towards institutions and calls for democratic assurances. The discussion is centered on the role that international stakeholders should assume as protectors of constitutional values and citizens’ political rights.
A situation marked by challenges to institutions
The present scenario underlines underlying stresses within the Honduran democratic framework, especially concerning the division of powers, transparency, and fair opportunities for political engagement. The ruling party’s consolidation of institutional control occurs when checks and balances encounter constraints on their capacity to function autonomously.
In this situation, the next few months will be crucial to evaluate the ability of Honduran entities to preserve their independence and the extent to which the political framework is receptive to criticism and diverse involvement in an electoral process that is already emerging as pivotal for the nation’s political trajectory.
