Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza cautioned about indications that, in her view, endanger the constitutional stability before the elections slated for November 30. Amid significant institutional polarization, the congresswoman urged the leading opposition parties to counter what she perceives as a plan by the ruling party to strengthen its control outside of democratic processes.
Warning signs in the conduct of the electoral process
During a public speech, Espinoza accused the ruling party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), of promoting actions aimed at controlling the electoral apparatus for the purpose of remaining in power. Among her main concerns, she pointed to the possible manipulation of the National Electoral Council (CNE), a body currently embroiled in disputes over the vacancy left by councilor Ana Paola Hall.
According to the legislator, there is an attempt by the ruling party to install a friendly majority in the CNE, which could compromise the transparency of the general elections. She also denounced the existence of deliberate obstacles in the organization of the elections, which, she said, could affect both their conduct and their results.
In the judicial sphere, Espinoza argued that the Public Ministry’s inaction in response to allegations involving figures from the ruling party reinforces a perception of impunity. The lack of investigations, she argued, weakens institutional checks and balances and exacerbates the imbalance between the branches of government.
Call to opposition parties and concrete proposals
Given this situation, Espinoza urged the leaders of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to stand firm in defense of democratic principles. In his message, he called on them not to allow institutional setbacks or the renunciation of constitutional guarantees in the name of an apparent consensus.
As immediate actions, he suggested the prompt selection of Hall’s successor within the CNE to maintain the functionality of the electoral body. He also recommended prolonging the timeline for setting up the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), an essential method for enhancing the trustworthiness of the vote counting process.
Espinoza highlighted the importance of sincere communication, while emphasizing that this should not entail allowances that undermine the existing legal system. According to her perspective, upholding the democratic system is a duty that falls on every political and social group within the nation.
An atmosphere of increasing institutional strain
The congresswoman’s remarks emerge during an extended stalemate in the National Congress, which has witnessed conflicts over the makeup of the CNE and the selection of new leaders for the Public Ministry. The absence of consensus has delayed crucial choices needed for the operation of vital institutions, escalating uncertainty about the forthcoming electoral process.
This context reflects the difficulties faced by the Honduran political system in resolving its differences within the institutional framework. With just a few months to go before the elections, questions remain about the impartiality of the electoral bodies, the performance of the justice system, and the real willingness of political actors to guarantee a free and transparent process.
Espinoza’s cautionary note, despite being expressed in adversarial language, underscores the strains impacting the nation’s institutional framework. The direction followed by the electoral process in November will be crucial in assessing the robustness of the democratic system and the government’s capacity to maintain its authenticity amidst increasing indications of conflict.
