At the start of the electoral cycle leading up to the 2025 general elections, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has adopted a course of action that has raised questions in various political and social sectors in Honduras. Allegations of early fraud and the dissemination of polls without methodological support have been identified as key components of a strategy aimed at consolidating its party base and influencing the electoral landscape.
Unsubstantiated allegations and pressure on the electoral body
From various party quarters, including its presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, LIBRE has maintained that there is an alleged plan to rig the elections led by the body responsible for organizing them. However, these allegations have not been accompanied by verifiable evidence or formal documentation submitted to the competent authorities.
Several experts view this discourse as a strategy to bolster unity within the party amid increasing political rivalry. Simultaneously, they caution that such allegations might prepare the terrain for undermining the credibility of the election outcomes in case of a loss, eroding confidence in the electoral bodies and limiting the flexibility of the entities tasked with guaranteeing the process’s transparency.
Opposition groups have highlighted that these remarks undermine the trust in the National Electoral Council (CNE) and escalate political tensions. Experts have responded by emphasizing the importance of addressing any claims of irregularities through the correct legal procedures, backed by concrete evidence.
Altered surveys and the impression of lead
Another key aspect of LIBRE’s approach has been the spread of surveys showing their candidate in the lead, with some of these being associated with fictitious firms or refuted by the polling organizations themselves. Instances like the one involving TResearch International, which openly refuted any connection to polls that gained traction on social media, have underscored the distribution of altered information for campaign motives.
According to those monitoring the election process, sharing polls that lack technical accuracy aims to convince the public of an unavoidable win for LIBRE. This could impact how voters act, create false hopes, and damage the trust in valid research. Additionally, this tactic highlights the weakness of the nation’s information network, where online misinformation has turned into a political strategy.
Entities observing the electoral process have expressed concerns regarding the effect these approaches may have on the clarity and authenticity of the democratic proceedings. In this context, they have emphasized the necessity of enhancing vote auditing methods and highlighted the obligation of political figures when sharing information that directly affects public opinion.
An electoral environment marked by mistrust
The measures employed by LIBRE leading up to the 2025 general elections illustrate a political setting where confidence in institutions and the democratic process is being challenged. The expectation of baseless claims and the deployment of misinformation tactics masquerading as surveys foster a situation in which divisions might deepen as the voting schedule advances.
In this context, the challenge for the electoral authorities, civil society, and the parties themselves will be to ensure a transparent process with clear rules and equitable conditions for all political forces. The need for broad dialogue and robust observation mechanisms is key to preserving democratic stability in a country where elections have historically been a turning point in institutional life.