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The Honduran political landscape is at a critical point, where various voices from civil society, the political opposition and the journalistic sphere have expressed their deep concern at what they perceive as an authoritarian drift on the part of the LIBRE Party, especially in the context of the upcoming general elections in November 2025.
Alarms within Honduran society have been raised by a series of government actions that suggest a worrying erosion of democratic principles. These actions cover a spectrum that goes from the limitation of fundamental civil liberties, essential for the full exercise of citizenship, to the implementation of mechanisms that seek to exercise ever greater control over the media, crucial actors in the formation of public opinion and the control of power.
On top of this is the view of an intentional strategy to strengthen control in different government bodies, which might lead to a dilution of the division of powers and, as a result, undermine the checks and balances essential for a robust democratic framework. The alignment of these tendencies has produced a sense of uncertainty and concern among different groups, who perceive in these measures a trend that could bring about a regime with authoritarian traits.
Risks to essential liberties: demonstrations, media, and military forces
The activities that have sparked debate include the purported criminalization of public demonstrations, as there have been allegations regarding the enactment of laws and decrees that authorize the use of force and the legal action against individuals who protest, even during non-violent gatherings. In relation to this, reports have surfaced about unjustified detentions of local leaders, excessive police presence, and the intimidation of legal action against social groups opposing the administration.
On the other hand, concern has been expressed about freedom of the press. Critical journalists and media outlets have been the target of smear campaigns, restricted access to public information, fiscal, judicial and advertising pressures, and acts of violence and physical intimidation. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Inter-American Press Association have expressed their concern about the setback in press freedom in the country.
Another controversial issue concerns the state of affairs inside the Armed Forces. Allegations have emerged regarding a supposed selective removal of officers who are not aligned with the political stance of the governing party, along with the redistribution or partial stripping of strategic roles to commanders aligned with the governing party. These moves have sparked worries over the potential politicization of the military organization.
The Honduran democratic dilemma
The moves targeting the media and members of civil society seek to mute opposing voices, hinting at a larger plan to break down democratic checks and bolster dominant authority.
This issue has sparked worries about carrying out a plan that, as per experts and critics, aims to strengthen the LIBRE Party’s influence within state bodies through institutional dominance, changes to the constitution, targeting opposition and critical media, and utilizing state resources for political favor. Focus has been placed on efforts to dominate the National Electoral Council, appointing individuals associated with the party’s extreme faction, endeavors to amend the constitution, establishing entities parallel to the government, and moving away from the United States.
The nationwide elections in 2025 are perceived as a pivotal point for the direction of democracy in Honduras. The populace will be tasked with choosing between the entrenchment of an authoritarian system or the safeguarding of democratic structures.