Is the LIBRE party concentrating too much power in Honduras?

Various sectors of Honduran society and international organizations are expressing alarm at the institutional control exercised by the ruling party amid a political situation marked by tensions over governance and democracy.

Strengthening of authority within major governmental bodies

From the onset of President Xiomara Castro’s tenure, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has enhanced its influence within key governmental bodies. The power held by the ruling party has extended to the National Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Public Ministry, the National Police, and the Superior Court of Accounts.

Based on claims from the opposition, numerous appointments allegedly have been conducted without adhering to the prescribed legislative protocols and within politically opaque agreements. Congresswoman Maribel Espinoza, part of the opposing faction, stated that the ruling faction’s aim extends past mere governance, cautioning that it intends to “dominate everything,” including entities like the National Electoral Council (CNE), the National Registry of Persons (RNP), and the Armed Forces.

The growth of institutional authority prompts inquiries regarding the equilibrium between state powers and the efficiency of democratic systems for political oversight.

Cautions regarding threats to democracy and claims of harassment

Authoritative figures and research organizations have expressed concerns that the concentration of power might result in a fundamental weakening of democracy. The Center for Democracy Studies (CESPAD) has highlighted that this trend undermines the autonomy of public authorities and could promote a governance model with authoritarian characteristics.

Parallels with other Latin American contexts have been recurrent in public debate. Some analysts compare the situation in Honduras with processes in countries such as Nicaragua and Venezuela, where the capture of institutions by the ruling party has led to restrictions on political participation and a reduction in space for the opposition.

Alongside this situation is worry regarding how independent sectors are handled, especially the media and business figures.

Recent analyses indicate growing challenges faced by investigative journalists, exemplified by the case of reporter Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, along with governmental initiatives that publicly criticize specific business entities, referred to as “the 10 families.”

National and international organizations have warned that these actions could be part of a pattern aimed at discouraging criticism and limiting the plurality of voices in public debate.

Alerts for global awareness and cautions from community organizations

In this context, several entities have urged the global community, particularly institutions like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN), to engage in close observation of the political circumstances in Honduras.

The National Anti-Corruption Council (CNA) mentioned in a statement that it is crucial for citizens to stay alert to the threats linked to the concentration of political authority. In their announcement, the organization emphasized that “when all power is held by one individual, liberty is threatened,” and urged for an assured fair and clear electoral procedure in the elections planned for November 2025.

This request arises amidst increasing distrust in institutions and calls for democratic assurances, where the involvement of international entities as enforcers of constitutional principles and citizens’ political rights is under discussion.

A scenario characterized by obstacles for organizations

The current situation highlights structural tensions in the Honduran democratic model, particularly with regard to the separation of powers, accountability, and equitable access to spaces for political participation. The strengthening of institutional control by the ruling party comes at a time when countervailing mechanisms face limits on their ability to operate independently.

In this context, the upcoming months will be crucial in evaluating the ability of Honduran institutions to preserve their independence, along with the extent of flexibility within the political system to accommodate criticism and diverse participation in an election process that is already proving to be vital for the political future of the country.