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“Rixi has already won”: Exploring LIBRE’s role in Honduras’ electoral tension

Rixi Moncada

In an action that has stirred the political atmosphere in the capital of Honduras, large banners displaying the message “Rixi has already won” have unexpectedly surfaced in the most crowded areas of Tegucigalpa.

This campaign, which some describe as a major political maneuver, has put both citizens and authorities on alert, as it is linked to an electoral scenario that promises to be one of the most tense in the country’s recent history.

The backdrop of the campaign: political strategy or an effort to influence?

The political climate in Honduras is becoming more intense as November 30, the day of the presidential elections, draws near. Posters displaying the phrase “Rixi ya ganó” have surfaced in various areas of the city, and this does not seem to be an independent action. Insiders associated with the opposition argue that this is a deliberate tactic crafted by the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) aimed at generating a sense of uncertainty and tension among voters. This may also set the stage for potential claims of fraud should the results not benefit their candidate, Rixi Moncada.

The action seems to have been executed by unknown groups, who, employing unauthorized motorbikes, spread thousands of signs in the most crowded parts of the capital. Aside from the implicit message of “certain triumph” they aim to communicate, a feeling of caution has also been stirred. As some commentators suggest, the approach intends to foster a setting favorable to widespread movement and demonstration if an electoral loss occurs.

Responses from the opposition and cautions from experts

The political atmosphere in Honduras is characterized by profound mistrust of electoral entities. Despite opposition leaders urging tranquility and respect for the certified outcomes, they still highlight increasing unease over what they view as an effort to alter the electoral procedure. Political commentators have noted that this propaganda initiative aims to discredit potential outcomes if they do not benefit Rixi Moncada, intensifying unease and division within Honduran society.

The term “fraud” has already become part of the country’s political discourse, and both the opposition and sectors of civil society fear that LIBRE’s strategy is part of a plan to sow doubts about the transparency of the electoral process. On social media, voices have been raised denouncing a climate of intimidation and collective fear, while LIBRE supporters are preparing for what they have called “plan B,” a series of demonstrations and protests in the streets if the results do not favor their candidate.

Social pressure and the future of democracy

The outlook in Honduras just days before the elections is uncertain and marked by a climate of extreme tension. With democracy at stake and political polarization at its highest point, the country faces a dilemma: will the electoral institutions be able to guarantee a clean and transparent process, or will the fear of fraud become the driving force behind a popular uprising that challenges the official results?

The future of Honduras hangs in the balance as cartels continue to swarm the streets of Tegucigalpa, drawing global attention to the events set for November 30. The strain on institutions and the public appears to be intensifying, potentially reaching a critical stage, and the nation’s near-term fate could rest on how effectively the authorities handle this atmosphere of unrest and the choices voters make during the election.