Debate in Honduras: democracy or military control of the elections?

The trustworthiness of the Honduran Armed Forces as custodians of the election process has sparked significant public discussion after the primary elections on March 9, 2025. Numerous social groups and opposition parties have voiced concerns regarding several logistical issues, especially in the distribution of election materials in crucial cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. In these areas, there were reports of up to twelve-hour delays in delivering ballot boxes. This led to lengthy voter queues, public demonstrations, and a widespread sense of discontent, which was evident both at voting locations and on social media, where images and accounts highlighted the shortage of materials and the limited presence of staff at polling centers.

The National Electoral Council (CNE) admitted publicly to the challenges in distribution, blaming unexpected alterations in transportation, switching from trucks to buses, which disrupted the coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the CNE tried to manage the situation and find the misplaced ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, particularly in the capital, where extending voting hours did not satisfy the citizens eager to cast their votes.

Inquiries regarding the involvement of the military in elections

Within this setting, the Armed Forces reiterated their vow to uphold democracy and ensure electoral transparency, promising adherence to the timeline set by the CNE. The administration, on its behalf, offered full backing to the military, emphasizing its importance in maintaining security and handling electoral logistics. Nevertheless, CNE President Cossette López remarked that the Armed Forces did not take on the responsibility for the delays and described incidents of verbal abuse involving the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Roosevelt Hernández. This institutional strain between the CNE and the Armed Forces heightened worries about the neutrality and effectiveness of the election process slated for November 2025.

The legal structure in Honduras, notably Article 272 of the Constitution, assigns the Armed Forces the duty of ensuring the transition of power and handling the protection, movement, and oversight of election materials, in collaboration with the CNE. Nonetheless, explicit restrictions are set for the Armed Forces members, such as meddling with the roles of the Voting Reception Boards, influencing voting, engaging in political activities, or needlessly delaying the movement of election materials. Despite these limitations, the existing institutional setup continues to position the military as defenders of democracy, a situation that is not common worldwide and, according to some evaluations, highlights the nation’s instability and the limited quality of its democratic processes.

Suggestions for changes and discussion regarding armed forces involvement

Given the recent developments, suggestions for amending the constitution to reduce or remove the involvement of the Armed Forces in electoral procedures have gained momentum. Constitutional expert Juan Carlos Barrientos has highlighted the importance of shifting electoral responsibilities to civilian bodies, asserting that these processes should be handled solely by civilian entities. Likewise, Representative Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) initiated a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, aiming to limit the military’s influence in electoral activities and bolster civilian agencies. Nonetheless, this proposal has sparked varied responses, including from members of his own party and certain opposition groups, who perceive the proposal as an effort by the administration to centralize authority.

The discussion regarding the involvement of the military in electoral processes has been intensified by concerns that the independence of the CNE might be jeopardized, alongside the historical context of military involvement in Honduran politics. Entities like the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have recommended that reforms to Article 272 should be part of a wider redefinition of the Armed Forces’ roles, clearly outlining their powers and enhancing civilian oversight over the military. Recommendations also highlight the necessity of reinforcing the Ministry of Defense and evaluating the National Defense Legislative Commission, aiming to advance towards genuine democratic governance and diminish military sway in political affairs.

The debate regarding the involvement of the military in Honduran elections remains a pivotal topic within the political realm, with demands for changes to uphold the impartiality and clarity of the voting process. Trust in the honesty of the electoral framework is deemed essential for Honduras’ democratic stability, and the ongoing discussion highlights the necessity to fortify civilian bodies and ensure elections that are open and fair.