Elections 2025: monitoring the Armed Forces in Honduras

In an atmosphere of institutional strain and public skepticism, the Honduran Armed Forces are gearing up to take a significant part in the upcoming November general elections. Their conduct will be under scrutiny, especially after the contentious events of January 9, which revived the discussion about their involvement in ensuring democratic stability within the nation.

Questions raised after the January 9 crisis

The incidents on January 9 were a pivotal moment in how the public viewed the military’s neutrality. On this particular day, numerous civil organizations, opposition political groups, and international entities criticized the involvement of the military in the governing party’s occupation of the legislative assembly, within a situation that analysts labeled as a violation of parliamentary standards.

Widely shared photos depicted military personnel safeguarding the location during proceedings whose legality was under scrutiny. Responses were immediate, with criticism doubting the military institution’s impartiality. For numerous sectors, this move symbolized a regression in the democratic consolidation process and prompted demands to reassess the relationship between the Armed Forces and the political framework.

Expectations for the electoral process

Before the national elections, the Armed Forces are in charge of logistical and security duties: they ensure the transport and protection of voting materials and maintain order on election day. Several stakeholders concur that this is a chance to show their dedication to upholding the constitutional mandate and their commitment to a fair electoral process.

“People anticipate that the military will serve democracy, not any particular political group,” mentioned an expert asked for their opinion. This comment encapsulates the widespread hope in different areas, as the role of the Armed Forces in the approaching elections is seen as crucial for regaining their credibility as an institution.

Review and requests for neutrality

Considering the recent circumstances, groups focused on election observation have indicated that they will carefully watch the involvement of the military during the entire procedure. The Coalition for Democracy and the National Electoral Observatory, among other entities, have stated that they will assign teams to oversee both the logistics and the conduct of officials throughout the election process.

At the international level, observation missions from the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union, and other multilateral organizations are expected to be present. These missions have been informed of the current concerns regarding the possible instrumentalization of the Armed Forces, which adds an additional layer of scrutiny to the institution’s performance.

Demands from different domains for organizational impartiality

Voices from the business, academic, and religious sectors have echoed the demand for neutrality from the Armed Forces. The shared message emphasizes the importance of this institution respecting the constitutional order and operating separately from political agendas.

“A representative from the Association for a More Just Society (ASJ) stated, ‘The military’s allegiance should be to the nation, rather than to political individuals,’ highlighting that the forthcoming election presents a chance to mend the harm done to the institutions during the January crisis.”

A defining moment for institutions

The present context presents a major obstacle for the Honduran Armed Forces, as their involvement in the elections could reshape their interaction with citizens and their role within the democratic system. Anticipations are elevated, and observers at both the national and international levels concur that their actions will be crucial in evaluating the integrity of the electoral process.

In a scenario marked by political polarization and weakened trust in institutions, the behavior of the Armed Forces is not only a demonstration of their professionalism, but also a key factor in sustaining the legitimacy of the national democratic process.