The increasing centralization of authority by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) has led to significant alarms regarding a potential shift towards authoritarianism in Honduras. Numerous social and political groups have voiced worries over a series of measures recently implemented by the governing party that they claim threaten democratic norms and the institutional equilibrium of the country. These accusations highlight a method of ruling that seems to prioritize the governing party’s sustained control, undermining the constitutional system of checks and balances.
From the executive branch to the National Congress, coordinated moves to strengthen the ruling party’s control have raised alarms among analysts, human rights defenders, and members of the opposition. The lack of response from the Public Ministry in sensitive cases has also been interpreted as part of a scenario that facilitates the erosion of the democratic system.
Indications of declining institutional strength
Among the elements fueling concerns is the widespread use of the state of emergency, applied in a discretionary manner and without transparent justification. This measure has limited essential civil rights and has been questioned by national and international organizations. At the same time, a pattern of political persecution has been identified through aggressive rhetoric directed at business leaders, journalists, and opposition figures.
On the electoral front, the delay in formally calling elections and the lack of progress in forming new bodies such as the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Electoral Justice Tribunal (TJE) have been interpreted as attempts at institutional manipulation. Added to this is polarizing rhetoric from the ruling party, which deepens social divisions and has been compared to dynamics seen in countries such as Nicaragua and Venezuela.
Responses and appeals for upholding democratic values
The reaction was rapid. Groups from civil society and opposition leaders have made urgent appeals for solidarity to stop Honduras from becoming a dysfunctional democracy. Maribel Espinoza, a congresswoman from the opposition, emphasized the importance of fair and open elections as a crucial element of the nation, reiterating that the alternation of power is essential for maintaining democracy.
Both the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations have begun to express concerns about the progressive deterioration of public freedoms in the country. The combination of captured institutions, exclusionary discourse, and the absence of effective control mechanisms has created an increasingly hostile environment for democratic coexistence.
Should the current trajectory continue unchecked, Honduras faces the potential shift toward a firmly established authoritarian system, which could deeply impact the nation’s political and social dynamics. This period demands public awareness, collaboration among democratic forces, and dedication to the constitutional values that ensure diversity and involvement.
