Rixi Moncada and the M-28: fraud allegations in primaries

After the preliminary elections held on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada emerged as the presidential hopeful for the LIBRE Party. Nonetheless, her win has sparked debate due to accusations of voting discrepancies, creating an atmosphere of doubt in the political landscape of Honduras. Both adversaries and the party’s own members have raised concerns regarding the authenticity of the outcomes, asserting that the tallies in crucial districts were altered to falsely display overwhelming backing for Moncada, which may not align with the true sentiments of the party or the wider public.

Critics highlight a supposed media and organizational tactic designed to falsely create the impression of widespread backing for the ruling party’s nominee. Within this framework, the M-28 faction, allied with the party’s top brass, is accused as the main instigator of the purported deceptive tactics intended to boost Moncada’s bid. The accusations outline several anomalies, such as the tampering with tally records at numerous polling sites, the artificial boosting of outcomes for specific hopefuls, the omission of opposition movement representatives during the vote counting process, and the delayed or incomplete distribution of election materials.

Certain campaigners have even claimed that the procedure was orchestrated to push forward a preselected nominee determined by the party’s leadership, which they see as a violation of the democratic values of internal involvement.

Concerns regarding credibility and internal division in LIBRE

The official response from Moncada and his spokespeople has been to emphatically reject these accusations, describing them as smear tactics orchestrated by the traditional opposition. The LIBRE Party has insisted on the transparency of the internal process and the impartiality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). However, these accusations have caused a marked division within the political group, calling into question the legitimacy of Moncada’s candidacy and exposing a significant internal crisis.

The grievances are being voiced by local leaders, regional coordinators, and affiliates from various internal groups. These claims not only cast doubt on Rixi Moncada’s triumph but also reveal a significant divide within LIBRE, a party that has advocated for democratic involvement and openness as core aspects of its character. Failing to address these grievances with a clear and persuasive response might result in LIBRE’s base losing momentum, heightened abstention among its supporters, and diminished trust as they approach the general elections in November 2025.

Political consequences and the caution from the opposition

In this context, the political opposition has voiced worries that the primaries might have acted as a “trial run for fraud” before the general elections in November 2025. Concerns have arisen about a prolonged strategy by LIBRE to strengthen its influence beyond 2026, executing measures like gaining control over the legislative and judicial branches, aiming to amend the constitution via a popular vote, and employing disinformation tactics and state resources to undermine the independent media and political opponents.

Several opposing figures caution that LIBRE aims to secure prolonged dominance over the government, employing state mechanisms, official messaging, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.

Organizations from civil society, global observers, and independent news outlets have advocated for increased oversight, technical assessments, and international support for the November elections. The primary question is whether Rixi Moncada will embody a genuine majority of the people or if she will be a product of a political and election-driven mechanism aimed at sustaining LIBRE’s hold on power.