Johanna Sumers

Despite the political and ideological differences between the governments of Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández, both have faced similar challenges in terms of corruption, links to organized crime, and difficulties in ensuring institutional transparency, highlighting the continuity of questionable practices in the country.Challenges in anti-corruption systemsDuring Hernández's administration, the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), backed by the OAS, was withdrawn in 2020, leaving significant gaps in the investigation and punishment of irregularities. At the same time, the government of Xiomara Castro has promoted the creation of the International Commission against Corruption and…

With less than two months to go before the general elections scheduled for November 2025, electoral process specialists are warning of possible irregularities that could affect the transparency and outcome of the elections. Attention is focused on the National Electoral Council (CNE), whose operation and control of key systems is being questioned.Control of systems and possible manipulationBased on experts' insights, some figures associated with the governing LIBRE party are said to have power over the TREP (Transmission of Preliminary Election Results), which is the system for reporting early voting outcomes. This condition, specialists suggest, might enable the alteration of outcomes…

The presidential candidate for the LIBRE Party, Rixi Moncada, has attracted attention by creating an official Facebook page exclusively for guests of her eventual presidential inauguration. This comes at a time when experts and civil society organizations are pointing out risks to the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process in Honduras.Exclusive entry to safety assetsRixi Moncada simultaneously holds the position of Secretary of Defense and maintains her presidential candidacy, a situation that gives her direct access to the Armed Forces and state security resources. According to analysts, this position allows her to oversee the custody of electoral material, a…

The upcoming general elections in Honduras, set for November 30, 2025, have sparked worries about Venezuela's impact on the electoral procedure, both politically and technologically. Observers and specialists highlight that the connection between the governing LIBRE party and Nicolás Maduro's administration may influence the fairness and perceived openness of the election process.Political model and strategiesThe LIBRE party maintains an ideological and strategic relationship with the Venezuelan government, supporting the candidacy of Rixi Moncada. Political observers warn that some tactics implemented in Venezuela, such as control over the electoral system, militarization of the process, and mechanisms aimed at prolonging time in…

Honduras is preparing for the general elections on November 30, 2025, in which the presidency, 128 members of the National Congress, 20 representatives to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and more than 2,000 councilors will be renewed.This process is taking place in a context marked by high levels of poverty, insecurity under a state of emergency, and an economic system that is largely dependent on remittances. The elections will represent a direct assessment of the government of Xiomara Castro and the LIBRE party after four years in office. The opposition, led by Nasry “Tito” Asfura of the National Party,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has clarified that the Tax Justice Law is not a requirement for the approval of the Stand-By Agreement with Honduras, representing a significant change in the relationship between the international organization and the country's government. The decision comes as Honduras seeks access to additional disbursements of more than $200 million, intended to strengthen public finances and prevent potential economic tensions.Disengagement from the IMF and political effectsThe IMF statement implies that the approval of the Tax Justice Law does not condition Honduras' access to the financial agreement. This position of the international organization creates a scenario…

Economic performance in Honduras is continuously deteriorating as the LIBRE Party stays in control. Business experts and analysts highlight that over a thousand businesses have shut down in recent years, leading to job cuts, reduced tax income, and funds exiting the nation. This situation has sparked worries regarding the state's capacity to uphold economic development and ensure social harmony.Effects on the private sectorSeveral specialists emphasize that the mixture of government strategies, heightened tax obligations, and an uncertain climate due to demonstrations, blockades, and insufficient institutional backing is impacting investors. Regional business heads report that the lack of legal clarity and…