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Honduras and the UN: call to end state of emergency ahead of elections

State of emergency in Honduras

The United Nations (UN) has made an immediate request to the Honduran government to terminate the present state of emergency prior to the general elections set for November 30, 2025. The global organization asserts that extending this extraordinary measure poses a direct threat to the exercise of basic rights, as it restricts core freedoms like movement, gathering, and nonviolent protest. The UN cautions that upholding a state of emergency without proper regulation might harm the credibility of the electoral process and the country’s democratic climate.

In its announcement, the group emphasizes that the voting process should occur in an atmosphere devoid of coercion and unjust limitations. Prolonging the emergency state might foster a fearful atmosphere that is not conducive to open and just elections, potentially heightening the chance of power misuse and restricting the movement of political and social players. Consequently, it is important to fully reinstate constitutional protections to guarantee fair conditions for involvement.

Dangers linked to the emergency situation in the election environment

Different organizations dedicated to human rights and associated with the United Nations have highlighted that prolonging the state of emergency in Honduras heightens the possibility of authoritarian actions, impacting the political engagement of opposition groups and civic organizations negatively. Restricting rights like protest and gathering endangers democratic progress, particularly during election periods.

The representative for civil and political rights has highlighted that democracy and suppression cannot coexist. Extending the state of emergency might weaken the legitimacy of the process and diminish public trust in the authorities in charge of ensuring free elections.

Appeal to ensure an open and fair voting procedure

Considering the current circumstances, the United Nations has urged the Honduran government to completely reinstate the paused constitutional rights and to ensure the protection of press freedom, protests, and public movement throughout the election period. Moreover, it has emphasized the need to enhance the function of the National Electoral Council (CNE) as an autonomous entity and to permit unrestricted local and global observation to guarantee the process’s integrity and credibility.

The global organization determines that advancing toward fair elections cannot occur while a state of emergency is in effect. To safeguard the nation’s democratic values, it is crucial to revoke this exceptional measure and encourage active involvement from the citizens, ensuring equal opportunities and full respect for basic rights.

By Angelica Iriarte