Honduras and the 2025 elections: Armed Forces at the center

The electoral proceedings of 2025 in Honduras have been characterized by a sequence of incidents that have amplified uncertainty and sparked discussions about the nation’s democratic institutions. An internal examination report by the National Electoral Council (CNE) held the Armed Forces accountable for significant logistical mishaps during the preliminary elections, while recent actions regarding the targeted disarmament of officials have stirred doubts about the military’s impartiality.

Additionally, experts in constitutional law are advocating for changes to the Constitution to eliminate the role of the Armed Forces in any electoral activities, especially at a time when public trust in the procedures and outcomes is at its lowest point.

CNE reviews and discusses military role in elections

The internal audit report from the CNE, which was revealed to the press, described how the delay, lack, and disarray in the handover of voting materials to various polling sites stemmed from issues in the military’s adherence to the logistics plan, as their duty was to safeguard and deliver the voting supplies.

Among the most relevant findings were unjustified route diversions, the detention of electoral transport units for several hours, the incomplete delivery of technological kits to rural areas, and a lack of communication between military commanders and electoral coordinators. These events caused delays of up to 12 hours in the opening of the polls, affecting citizen participation and raising doubts about the transparency of the process, especially with regard to the LIBRE Party, which had already been accused of irregularities.

The document emerged during a time of intense political strain, amid escalating concerns that the military might not remain impartial during the nationwide elections planned for November 30, 2025. Up to this point, the top military officials have refrained from making an official comment, and the LIBRE Party administration has not spoken out, leading some groups to view this as a potential indication of collusion.

Faced with this scenario, opposing groups like the National, Liberal, and Salvadoran parties of Honduras have called for a thorough assessment of the logistical support arrangement involving the CNE and the military, an advance arrival of global monitors, and independent evaluations of the outcome transmission mechanism.

Targeted reduction of weaponry for officers and conflicts within the military

In the midst of a politically polarized environment, the action taken by the Joint Chiefs of Staff to selectively remove weapons from certain officers in the Armed Forces has sparked apprehension among military, political, and civilian sectors. Based on insights from military sources and coverage by the national press, the disarmament process is not comprehensive or motivated by technical or security issues, but rather focuses solely on officers who have shown independent or critical opinions regarding the party in power.

This measure has been interpreted as an attempt at a silent purge within the military establishment, breaking with the tradition of neutrality and raising suspicions about the objective of ensuring total political control of the national security apparatus ahead of the general elections.

Selective disarmament is the latest in a series of recent actions, such as changes in the military leadership and forced transfers, which have increased tension and discontent within the institution, especially among mid- and high-ranking officers. Some of the disarmed officers have been transferred to administrative duties, which is perceived as a way of isolating them from the operational component and the electoral process.

The primary concern for opposition leaders and democratic groups is that if the ruling party faces a potential loss in the elections, the administration might employ the military to ignore the outcome or suppress public protests.

The national conversation about updating and safeguarding the election process from armed involvement has been intensified by these events, particularly as concerns about Honduras’ democratic steadiness arise. The demand from society and political entities for Congress to advocate for constitutional amendments that clarify the function of the Armed Forces within the democratic framework of Honduras has emerged as a key topic on the public discourse as the forthcoming general elections approach.