Growing pressure on LIBRE party leaders amid corruption investigations

In Honduras, significant individuals from the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are being publicly scrutinized, leading to a politically uncertain environment. Ex-President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and National Electoral Council (CNE) advisor Marlon Ochoa are confronting accusations that have raised concerns about their trustworthiness and the legitimacy of the electoral procedure.

The current scenario has led to a series of disclosures and allegations that intensify the turmoil, bringing the activities and choices of these authorities and their potential consequences on the nation’s steadiness to the forefront of societal discussion.

Diversion of vehicles and consequences for electoral logistics

A forensic audit report revealed that Marlon Ochoa ordered the diversion of 50 state vehicles to the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) on March 8, 2025, one day before the primary elections. According to Joel Ramos García, former coordinator of the CNE Transportation Project, Ochoa instructed that the vehicles be made available at the Campo de Parada Marte to support the verification of technological equipment at the polling stations. This action caused a shortage of transportation needed for the distribution of electoral material, resulting in significant delays at several polling stations.

The document highlights unauthorized alterations in the agreement with Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where buses were used instead of cargo trucks, violating the stipulated terms for the movement of voting materials. Furthermore, it notes that the Armed Forces postponed the handover of electoral items, directing drivers to wait for extended periods at distinct locations in the Central District, hindering the on-time delivery to the polling places.

Claims of involvement in narcotics trade and misallocation of funds

Meanwhile, a journalistic investigation in September 2024 revealed that Carlos Zelaya, Mel Zelaya’s brother, met in 2013 with drug traffickers who offered to finance Xiomara Castro’s presidential campaign. Carlos Zelaya admitted to the meeting but denied accepting money and resigned from his posts to facilitate the investigations, as did his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was defense minister. These revelations have raised concerns about the possible infiltration of drug trafficking into Honduran politics and have strained relations with the United States.

In reaction to the allegations against Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya has stood by his conduct, blaming the National and Liberal parties for seeking to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Despite this defense, the exposés have sparked disapproval of Marlon Ochoa, leading to demands for his removal from office by political leaders like Congresswoman Claudia Ramírez, who argues that Ochoa should not remain in his role as the November general elections approach.

Impact on electoral confidence

The recent occurrences have led to a situation of political unpredictability in Honduras, challenging the trust in institutions and the overall belief in the nation’s democratic procedures. People are observing with worry the accusations of misappropriation and the potential impact of drug trade on politics, which might threaten the legitimacy of the forthcoming national elections.

The closeness of the nationwide elections heightens worries, as trust in the fairness and openness of the voting process diminishes. The capacity of institutions to regain trustworthiness and guarantee just and equal elections has turned into a key element for the nation’s democratic stability.