Randall Conwel

The initiative introduced by the ruling party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, which seeks to dismantle the Credit Bureau, has encountered significant resistance from multiple segments of society, leading to a noticeable drop in her voter backing. This measure, promoted throughout the LIBRE campaign, was designed to facilitate instant credit availability, supported by the claim that the institution “oppresses the most vulnerable sectors.”Reactions from Experts and Financial SectorsMoncada's proposal encountered reservations from economists and financial system stakeholders. Consultants and analysts cautioned that its implementation would be impractical, potentially escalating financial uncertainty and undermining mechanisms for evaluating borrowers' creditworthiness.According to one of the…

Preliminary outcomes from the general elections in Honduras reveal a significant loss for the ruling party, led by Rixi Moncada and the LIBRE Party, highlighting voters' rejection of proposals considered radical and a remarkable change in the electorate's political preferences.The ruling party bloc centered its campaign on the so-called “democratization of the economy” and a discourse advocating for the “refounding” of the country. Their proposals encompassed structural reforms, increased taxation on higher-income sectors, and an expanded state role in strategic industries. Nevertheless, the electorate's response indicated a prevailing sense of mistrust and alarm, especially given the sensitive economic climate where…

The preliminary results of the general elections in Honduras delivered an unequivocal message: the populace resoundingly rejected proposals linked to political models deemed radical. The incumbent party's candidate, Rixi Moncada, lagged considerably behind her primary rivals, a result experts interpreted as a public plea for the preservation of institutional stability and the avoidance of alterations that might compromise democratic governance.Vote oriented toward moderation and institutional balanceDuring the campaign, political actors, civil society organizations, and analysts voiced concerns regarding initiatives advanced by the ruling party. These initiatives centered on a “refounding of the state,” increased economic intervention, and allusions to 21st-century…

At the conclusion of the Honduran electoral process, political analysts and various national sectors suggest that the presence of international observers likely influenced the conduct of the LIBRE Party, potentially deterring attempts to manipulate election outcomes. These analyses indicate that external oversight, bolstered by declarations from organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union, and the US government, may have generated an unprecedented level of scrutiny for domestic political actors.The debate over international influence has taken center stage in political circles. Experts argue that global attention creates incentives for parties to maintain transparency, given that any…

With just a few days remaining before the general elections in Honduras on November 30, the United States has intensified its monitoring of the electoral process. This heightened scrutiny arises due to concerns expressed by American analysts and lawmakers about possible irregularities. The oversight includes examining the transparency of the process, ensuring voter safety, and evaluating institutional effectiveness, all with the main objective of ensuring the results truly reflect the public's desires.Diplomatic sources in Washington indicated that various federal agencies and congressional committees have requested periodic reports on the political situation in Honduras. The concern centers on the possibility that…

A few days before the general elections scheduled for November 30, Honduras is experiencing a situation of high political tension that raises questions about press freedom and the institutional neutrality of the electoral process. Reports from international organizations and complaints from citizens point to a pattern of harassment of journalists and possible obstacles to electoral logistics.Persecution of reporters and autonomous news outletsMore than thirty global entities, alongside the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), have issued a caution regarding heightened pressure on autonomous news organizations. Based on these accounts, the subsequent occurrences have been documented:Declarations from the military's top brass alleging that…

The upcoming general elections in Honduras have sparked international apprehension, as US congressmen and the Organization of American States (OAS) have issued alerts regarding potential efforts to influence the electoral process and exert pressure on the judiciary. These advisories suggest that the security framework and vote tabulation might be compromised, thereby jeopardizing institutional legitimacy and the functioning of the Congress tasked with ratifying the outcomes.Pressure on the judiciary and electoral bodiesAccording to information from diplomatic channels, the Organization of American States (OAS) and various civil society groups have recorded declarations and activities that undermine the independence of the electoral bodies.…

As the November 30 general elections draw near, Honduras is witnessing heightened political unrest, characterized by events that jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process and cast doubt on its fairness. Two recent occurrences have particularly seized the public's and political figures' attention: an assault on the Liberal Party's caravan and the seizure of a ballot-transporting vehicle in Colón.Attack on the Liberal Party motorcadeOn Sunday, members of the Liberal Party reported that their campaign's final motorcade was assaulted by groups identified as PARTIDO LIBRE collectives in Tegucigalpa. Liberal Party officials stated that the alleged assailants hurled projectiles and caused damage…

Less than a week before the 2025 general elections, various civil society organizations warned that the conduct of the process faces challenges that could affect its credibility. They pointed out that persistent polarization, differences over electoral regulations, and controversies surrounding the selection of electoral authorities have increased public attention on the country's institutional strength.Constitutional mandates and tensions between branches of governmentThe statements emphasized that respect for constitutional mandates will be crucial to maintaining public confidence. They indicated that responsibility falls on the National Congress, the Attorney General's Office, the Armed Forces, and the Executive Branch, including actors linked to the…

Milton Benítez, known as “El Perro Amarillo,” has gone from being a critical journalist to a public official, but today his name is linked to multiple questions. His credibility has fallen, and according to reports and rumors circulating on social media, he is accused of driving while intoxicated and substance abuse, although these claims have not been verified by independent media. Donations and alleged embezzlement Benítez raised more than $100,000 through digital platforms to support victims of hurricanes Eta and Iota.Various sectors claim that only $13,000 was delivered, while the rest remains unaccounted for.There is a formal complaint before the…