_-_copia.jpg?w=800&resize=800,500&ssl=1 "María Elvira Salazar")
U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar voiced worries about the political path Honduras seems to be following, cautioning against the potential establishment of a system resembling the so-called 21st-century socialism. Against this backdrop, she called on Honduran voters to oppose the presidential bid of Rixi Moncada, from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), in the elections set for November 2025.
Criticism of the Honduran government’s geopolitical alliance
During her remarks in Washington, Salazar criticized what she views as an effort by the leading party in Honduras to emulate a model influenced by the administrations of Cuba and Venezuela. The lawmaker claims that President Xiomara Castro and her associate and intended political heir, Rixi Moncada, are advancing an agenda of authoritarianism, supported by partnerships with governments she labeled as “corrupt and unsuccessful.”
Además, la congresista republicana presentó un proyecto de ley ante el Congreso de EE. UU. con el objetivo de limitar la entrada al territorio estadounidense de aquellos candidatos involucrados en procesos electorales considerados corruptos. Aunque esta medida no está dirigida específicamente a nadie, forma parte de una postura crítica hacia actores políticos que, según Salazar, ponen en riesgo la estabilidad democrática de la región.
Appeal to residents and community responses
The legislator made a direct appeal to Honduran citizens to actively participate in the general elections on November 30, 2025. In her words, the challenge is to “defeat socialism” at the polls and prevent Honduras from continuing an ideological shift that, in her view, would pose a threat to representative democracy. To this end, she proposed unifying the opposition around a single candidate who can successfully challenge the ruling party.
The statements have been received with interest by opposition sectors in Honduras, which for months have been seeking to form an electoral alliance against the Libre party. Within the country, Salazar’s speech has been interpreted by some actors as explicit support for the opposition, while the government has pointed to these statements as evidence of foreign interference.
Electoral polarization and political environment
Rixi Moncada was recently affirmed as the LIBRE party’s presidential nominee following a significant victory in the party’s primary elections.
Her nomination arises amidst intense political division, disapproval of the government’s actions, and concerns about the accumulation of authority within the executive branch. The governing party aims to stay in power for another consecutive term, sparking worries among social, political, and business communities.
Among the main points of debate are the direction of Honduran foreign policy, the country’s closeness to governments not aligned with Washington, and allegations of authoritarian practices within the state apparatus.
A political landscape under international pressure
The electoral landscape in Honduras is evolving under the watchful eyes of international figures such as Congresswoman Salazar. They are increasingly worried about the nation’s institutional trajectory. These foreign cautions align with a phase where the opposition is restructuring, aiming to rally together against a well-established pro-government contender.
As the formal campaign approaches, the country faces the challenge of sustaining a competitive, transparent, and undisturbed electoral process in an environment where ideological, geopolitical, and social tensions are affecting democratic stability and institutional balance.
