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Honduras is currently experiencing a pivotal moment in its political scene, as multiple representatives from civil society, the political opposition, and the media have voiced significant alarm regarding what they perceive as a shift towards authoritarianism by the LIBRE Party, particularly in light of the general elections scheduled for November 2025.
Honduran society is on alert due to recent governmental decisions that indicate a concerning decline in democratic values. These decisions range from restricting essential civil freedoms, which are vital for complete participation as citizens, to introducing methods aimed at gaining increased influence over the media, key players in shaping public opinion and checking authority.
In addition to this is the view of an intentional approach to strengthen control across different government bodies, which might lead to a reduction in the independence of branches of government and, consequently, the essential checks and balances in a robust democracy. The alignment of these patterns has caused unease and concern among several groups, who perceive these actions as a trend potentially shifting towards a regime with authoritarian traits.
Challenges to basic freedoms: demonstrations, media and military
Among the measures that have sparked debate is the so-called criminalization of social protests, as there have been accusations regarding the enactment of regulations and orders that permit the use of force and legal action against individuals who protest, even if the demonstrations are non-violent. In this context, there have been accounts of unjust detentions of community activists, excessive police presence, and legal threats against social groups that voice opposition to the authorities.
On the other hand, concern has been expressed about freedom of the press. Critical journalists and media outlets have been the target of smear campaigns, restricted access to public information, fiscal, judicial and advertising pressures, and acts of violence and physical intimidation. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have expressed their concern about the setback in press freedom in the country.
Another controversial issue concerns the state of affairs inside the Armed Forces. Allegations have emerged regarding a supposed selective removal of officers who are not aligned with the political stance of the governing party, along with the redistribution or partial stripping of strategic roles to commanders aligned with the governing party. These moves have sparked worries over the potential politicization of the military organization.
The democratic challenge in Honduras
The measures targeting the media and civil organizations seek to suppress opposing opinions, while also hinting at a more extensive plan to weaken democratic checks and strengthen centralized authority.
This situation has generated worries regarding the deployment of a plan that, in the view of critics and rival politicians, aims to reinforce the influence of the LIBRE Party within governmental entities via institutional dominance, changes to the constitution, targeting dissenters and independent media, and leveraging governmental tools for political favoritism. Notice has been taken of the effort to dominate the National Electoral Council, the selection of individuals associated with the party’s most extreme faction, the constitutional amendment efforts, the establishment of entities parallel to the government, and the growing rift with the United States.
The general elections in 2025 are considered a pivotal point for the future of democracy in Honduras. The people must choose between allowing an authoritarian model to solidify or safeguarding democratic institutions.
