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 outset of President Xiomara Castro’s current leadership, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has solidified its hold within major government bodies. The governing party’s reach 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 claims from the opposition, numerous appointments have been executed without adhering to the set legislative procedures and within the context of political agreements that are not transparent. Congresswoman Maribel Espinoza, who is part of the opposition bench, stated that the goal of the ruling party extends beyond just governing, cautioning that it aims to “dominate everything,” including bodies like the National Electoral Council (CNE), the National Registry of Persons (RNP), and the Armed Forces.
The growth of institutional authority prompts inquiries regarding the equilibrium between state powers and the efficiency of democratic systems for political oversight.
Warnings about democratic risks and allegations of persecution
Authoritative figures and research organizations have expressed concerns that the concentration of power might result in a fundamental weakening of democracy. The Center for Democracy Studies (CESPAD) has highlighted that this trend undermines the autonomy of public authorities and could promote a governance 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.
Added to this scenario is concern about the treatment of independent sectors, particularly the media and business actors.
Recent reports suggest rising pressure on investigative journalists, exemplified by the situation involving journalist Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, alongside government initiatives that openly challenge particular business sectors, referred to as “the 10 families.”
National and international organizations have warned that these actions could be part of a pattern aimed at discouraging criticism and limiting the plurality of voices in public debate.
Alerts for global awareness and cautions from community organizations
In this context, numerous groups have urged the global community, especially entities like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), to closely observe the political developments in Honduras.
The National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) declared in a statement that people should stay alert to the dangers that come with consolidating political power. In that communication, the organization asserted that “when authority is concentrated in one hand, liberty is at risk,” and urged for a fair and open electoral procedure to be ensured in the elections planned for November 2025.
This call comes in a context of growing institutional mistrust and demands for democratic guarantees, in which the role that international actors should play as guarantors of respect for constitutional principles and the political rights of citizens is being discussed.
A situation marked by challenges to institutions
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 context, the upcoming months will be crucial for evaluating the ability of Honduran institutions to preserve their independence, along with the willingness of the political system to accept dissent and diverse involvement in an election process already proving to be significant for the nation’s political landscape.