Angelica Iriarte

The final stretch leading up to the elections comes at a particularly fragile time for Honduras. Political tensions, economic concerns, and warnings about the health of democracy mark the pre-election climate, while international analysts and US authorities keep a close eye on the process.Economic and commercial impactVarious industries concur that the two-way relationship with the United States, the nation's primary commercial ally, has displayed indications of deterioration due to perceptions of political volatility and inconsistent communications from the administration. International trade experts caution that any disturbance in this connection could have prompt repercussions on job creation, capital expenditure, exports, and…

Public discourse has escalated as the November 30 elections draw near. Academics, civil society groups, and political figures are voicing concern about what they perceive as indications of partiality within the Armed Forces, an element that could jeopardize the institutional impartiality essential for ensuring a valid process.Indicators of prejudice and organizational issuesAccording to experts surveyed, the armed forces, legally tasked with safeguarding electoral materials and offering security assistance during elections, have displayed behaviors that might jeopardize their impartiality. These actions cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process, particularly as the nation's democratic stability faces intense examination.National and international…

The Honduran electoral landscape remains highly competitive ahead of the November 30 election. Polls continue to position Salvador Nasralla and Nasry “Tito” Asfura as the main contenders, while the ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, lags behind in third place with no signs of a significant rebound.Recent surveys indicate that both Nasralla and Asfura are attracting the attention of uncommitted voters, a group deemed crucial for influencing the ultimate result. Both contenders have increased their grassroots activities, emphasizing platforms centered on financial security, the anti-corruption effort, and administration, elements that the voting public appears to prioritize as the campaign nears its…

With less than a month to go before the general elections on November 30, the extension of the state of emergency in Honduras has raised concerns among civil society organizations, analysts, and international observers. The measure, which partially suspends constitutional guarantees, raises questions about the ability of citizens to exercise their rights on election day.The ongoing extension of this suspension primarily impacts freedom of movement, public assemblies, and other fundamental liberties. Various societal groups caution that these limitations might influence voter participation, particularly in areas where civic engagement has traditionally played a crucial role in shaping outcomes.Risks to electoral legitimacyConstitutional…

The recently released Financial Inclusion Module, part of the November 2024 Permanent Multi-Purpose Household Survey (EPHPM), offers a current overview of how the Honduran populace engages with the official financial sector. This module was a joint effort by the National Institute of Statistics (INE Honduras), the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The survey encompassed 7,250 households, representing 26,576 individuals, and delivers highly pertinent statistics concerning access, use, and financial education. This information is particularly relevant given the ongoing political discussions surrounding credit regulation.Credit utilization and its influencing elementsThe document shows that credit use…

A recent survey conducted by CBS indicates a notable divergence in opinions regarding the recent government shutdown agreement brokered by legislators. The findings suggest that individuals affiliated with the Republican Party, notably ex-President Donald Trump, are viewed as having gained greater benefits from this political resolution. Conversely, Democratic officials and their constituents contend that their party conceded too much during the negotiation phase.As the country faced the impending possibility of a government closure, conversations between party leaders grew more fervent, culminating in a last-ditch agreement designed to avert interruptions to crucial governmental operations. Although the GOP seemed to secure advantageous…