Questions mount over Armed Forces participation in the 2025 general elections

With under five months remaining before the general elections in Honduras, the involvement of the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) in the electoral proceedings remains a topic of discussion. Their constitutional duty is to ensure the security, safekeeping, and transportation of election materials, as well as the safeguarding of polling locations. However, this role is encountering increasing scrutiny, driven by recent decisions and a backdrop of institutional skepticism.

Formal declarations and official pledges

Senior army commanders have publicly reaffirmed their adherence to the constitutional principles of neutrality and support for democracy. General Roosevelt Hernández, representing the military leadership, reiterated the FF. AA.’s commitment to guaranteeing a “clean, transparent, and secure” electoral process, emphasizing the apolitical and non-deliberative nature of the military institution.

The Ministry of Defense has also insisted that the Army will act under the orders of the National Electoral Council (CNE), as established by the Constitution. In this regard, during the electoral period, the Armed Forces must separate themselves operationally from the executive branch to focus exclusively on their mission of safeguarding the process.

Criticism for logistical failures and recent history

Although official announcements have been made, multiple sectors have expressed doubts about the Armed Forces’ capacity to ensure an efficient electoral process. During the primary elections conducted in March 2025, there were reports of delays lasting as long as five hours in the provision of electoral materials in major cities including San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

The logistical failures were attributed to both the military command and the defense minister, Rixi Moncada, sparking a wave of criticism from the opposition and civil society organizations.

Those occurrences have sparked renewed discussions regarding the military’s preparedness for election-related duties and have also raised inquiries about its impartiality. Certain experts caution that if the issues observed during the primary elections are not addressed, the November 30 event might encounter comparable challenges, potentially undermining public trust in the entities accountable for handling the democratic proceedings.

Institutional conflicts and potential for political influence

The controversy has also reached the institutional discourse. Experts point out that sectors close to the ruling party have attempted to minimize the responsibility of the armed forces in the logistical errors of March, promoting a narrative aimed at preserving the image of the military institution. This stance has coincided with growing mistrust of the CNE, whose technical capabilities and leadership have been criticized for its handling of the electoral calendar and its relationship with the executive branch.

In this context, the role of the armed forces becomes even more delicate. Although their constitutional mandate prevents them from deliberating or intervening in political matters, public perception of their impartiality is affected by the politicization of the electoral debate. Pressure is mounting as the election date approaches, amid a climate of polarization and questioning of democratic institutions.

A trial for the authenticity of elections

The involvement of the Armed Forces in the elections taking place in November is a crucial factor for the legitimacy of the electoral procedure in Honduras. Despite the Constitution granting them a distinct and specified operational duty, past logistical shortcomings and the erosion of trust in the electoral system position the military establishment in a challenging situation.

In a country with high levels of political polarization and fragile democratic institutions, the performance of the armed forces during the elections could have a decisive influence on the perception of the legitimacy of the electoral results. Operational transparency and strict respect for the constitutional mandate will be key to avoiding further tensions and preserving democratic stability in a decisive election year.