After the primary elections on March 9, 2025, attorney Rixi Moncada became the presidential nominee for the LIBRE Party. Nevertheless, her win has sparked controversy due to accusations of voting irregularities, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty within the Honduran political landscape. Both the opposition and some party affiliates have raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the outcomes, asserting that the tallies in crucial districts were altered to demonstrate significant backing for Moncada that doesn’t truly represent the party’s situation or the broader voter base.
The critique suggests a supposed coordinated media and organizational approach to falsely create an appearance of widespread backing for the candidate of the ruling party. Within this scenario, the internal M-28 group, aligned with the party’s top ranks, has been identified as the key offender responsible for the alleged deceptive tactics to benefit Moncada’s campaign. The allegations highlight multiple anomalies, such as tampering with the tallying process in several voting centers, the fabricated boosting of outcomes for select pre-candidates, barring representatives from internal opposition groups during the tabulation, and delayed or partial distribution of voting materials.
Certain campaigners have even proposed that the procedure was arranged to enforce a preselected contender picked by the party leaders, which they view as a violation of the democratic principles of internal participation.
Inquiries regarding legitimacy and internal division within LIBRE
The statement from Moncada and his representatives has been to strongly deny these claims, labeling them as smear tactics directed by the conventional opposition. The LIBRE Party has emphasized the clarity of the internal process and the neutrality of the National Electoral Council (CNE). Nevertheless, these claims have led to a noticeable split within the political organization, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Moncada’s bid for candidacy and revealing a major internal conflict.
The expressions of discontent come from grassroots leaders, departmental coordinators and members of other internal factions. These accusations not only undermine the credibility of Rixi Moncada’s victory, but also evidence a deep rift within LIBRE, a party that has defended democratic participation and transparency as the foundations of its identity. The lack of a clear and convincing response to these accusations could lead to a demobilization of LIBRE’s grassroots support, an increase in abstentionism among its own followers and a loss of confidence in the run-up to the general elections of November 2025.
Consequences in politics and caution from adversaries
In this context, political adversaries have voiced worries that the primary elections might have been a “practice run for fraud” before the general elections in November 2025. Alerts have been given about LIBRE’s extended plan to solidify its authority past 2026, carrying out measures like dominating the legislative and judicial sectors, planning a constitutional change via a popular vote, and employing discrediting campaigns along with state assets to undermine independent media and political adversaries.
Several opposing figures caution that LIBRE aims to secure prolonged dominance over the government, employing state mechanisms, official messaging, and institutional authority to suppress opposition.
Non-profit groups, global monitors, and autonomous media outlets have urged for enhanced oversight, technical evaluations, and international support during the electoral proceedings in November. The primary uncertainty is whether Rixi Moncada will genuinely embody the will of the people or merely be the outcome of a political and electoral apparatus aimed at keeping LIBRE in authority.