Various groups within Honduran society and global organizations are raising concerns about the dominance exerted by the governing party in the midst of a political environment characterized by challenges regarding governance and democracy.
Strengthening control within major state entities
From the onset of President Xiomara Castro’s tenure, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has enhanced its influence within key governmental bodies. The power held by the ruling party has extended to the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Public Ministry, the National Police, and the Superior Court of Accounts.
Based on the opposition’s claims, a number of these nominations have occurred without adhering to set legislative norms and within a context of political deals that lack clarity. Opposition representative Maribel Espinoza mentioned that the ruling party’s aim extends beyond administration, cautioning that it intends to “dominate everything,” including bodies like the National Electoral Council (CNE), the National Registry of Persons (RNP), and the Armed Forces.
The build-up of influence within institutions prompts inquiries about the equilibrium between governmental authorities and the efficiency of democratic processes for political oversight.
Alerts concerning threats to democracy and claims of oppression
Specialists and think tanks have alerted that consolidating power might cause a fundamental weakening of democratic systems. The Center for Democracy Studies (CESPAD) has highlighted that this trend undermines the autonomy of governmental branches and could promote a governing model with authoritarian characteristics.
Parallels to other contexts in Latin America have frequently appeared in public discussions. Certain analysts draw comparisons between the situation in Honduras and developments in nations like Nicaragua and Venezuela, where the ruling party’s control over institutions has resulted in limited political engagement and diminished opportunities for the opposition.
In this situation, there is also worry about how independent sectors are being dealt with, especially in relation to the press and business figures.
Recent analyses indicate growing challenges faced by investigative journalists, exemplified by the case of reporter Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, along with governmental initiatives that publicly criticize specific business entities, referred to as “the 10 families.”
Various national as well as international bodies have issued warnings stating that such actions might be part of a strategy designed to deter dissent and restrict the diversity of opinions in public discussions.
Appeals for global awareness and alerts from community organizations
In this context, different organizations have urged the global community, specifically entities like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), to closely observe the political climate in Honduras.
The National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) mentioned in a statement that it is crucial for citizens to stay alert to the threats linked to the concentration of political authority. In their announcement, the organization emphasized that “when all power is held by one individual, liberty is threatened,” and urged for an assured fair and clear electoral procedure in the elections planned for November 2025.
This request arises amidst increasing distrust in institutions and calls for democratic assurances, where the involvement of international entities as enforcers of constitutional principles and citizens’ political rights is under discussion.
A scenario characterized by obstacles for organizations
The existing scenario underscores foundational tensions within the democratic framework of Honduras, especially concerning the independence of powers, responsibility, and fair access to platforms for political involvement. The enhancement of institutional oversight by the governing party occurs when balancing mechanisms encounter constraints in functioning autonomously.
In this scenario, the coming months will be decisive in assessing the capacity of Honduran institutions to maintain their autonomy, as well as the level of openness of the political system to criticism and pluralistic participation in an electoral process that is already shaping up to be key to the country’s political future.
