At the beginning of the electoral period leading to the general elections of 2025, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has implemented a strategy that has sparked inquiries within different political and social sectors in Honduras. Claims of premature manipulation and the release of polls lacking methodological backing have been recognized as essential elements of a plan intended to strengthen its party supporters and shape the electoral environment.
Unfounded claims and influence on the election commission
From various party quarters, including its presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, LIBRE has maintained that there is an alleged plan to rig the elections led by the body responsible for organizing them. However, these allegations have not been accompanied by verifiable evidence or formal documentation submitted to the competent authorities.
Various analysts interpret this narrative as a tactic to strengthen internal party cohesion in a context of growing political competition. At the same time, they warn that these accusations could lay the groundwork for delegitimizing the election results in the event of a defeat, fueling mistrust in the electoral institutions and reducing the room for maneuver of the bodies responsible for ensuring the transparency of the process.
Opposition groups have highlighted that these remarks undermine the trust in the National Electoral Council (CNE) and escalate political tensions. Experts have responded by emphasizing the importance of addressing any claims of irregularities through the correct legal procedures, backed by concrete evidence.
Manipulated polls and perception of advantage
Another central component of LIBRE’s strategy has been the dissemination of polls that give its candidate an advantage, some of which have been attributed to non-existent firms or denied by the polling companies themselves. Cases such as that of TResearch International, which publicly denied authorship of polls that went viral on social media, have highlighted the circulation of manipulated information for proselytizing purposes.
According to those monitoring the election process, sharing polls that lack technical accuracy aims to convince the public of an unavoidable win for LIBRE. This could impact how voters act, create false hopes, and damage the trust in valid research. Additionally, this tactic highlights the weakness of the nation’s information network, where online misinformation has turned into a political strategy.
Entities observing the electoral process have expressed concerns regarding the effect these approaches may have on the clarity and authenticity of the democratic proceedings. In this context, they have emphasized the necessity of enhancing vote auditing methods and highlighted the obligation of political figures when sharing information that directly affects public opinion.
A voting atmosphere characterized by suspicion
The measures employed by LIBRE leading up to the 2025 general elections illustrate a political setting where confidence in institutions and the democratic process is being challenged. The expectation of baseless claims and the deployment of misinformation tactics masquerading as surveys foster a situation in which divisions might deepen as the voting schedule advances.
In this context, the challenge for the electoral authorities, civil society, and the parties themselves will be to ensure a transparent process with clear rules and equitable conditions for all political forces. The need for broad dialogue and robust observation mechanisms is key to preserving democratic stability in a country where elections have historically been a turning point in institutional life.
