The recent political situation in Honduras has been marked by citizen mobilization in defense of democratic plurality and political inclusion. In Tegucigalpa, a diverse group made up of members of civil society organizations, university students, community leaders, and independent citizens gathered in front of the National Congress to hold a peaceful vigil. The main objective of this demonstration was to demand full guarantees and respect for minority political parties in the context of the electoral process that will culminate in the general elections in November 2025. The vigil, characterized by the use of candles and banners, served as a symbolic response to what participants consider a threat to the multiparty system, amid allegations of pressure, administrative blockades, and media marginalization of emerging parties.
The demonstration also served as an opportunity to criticize actions that, as claimed by the protesters, hinder fair involvement in public discussions, apply unwarranted limitations on political party registration, and perpetuate official narratives that undermine non-mainstream groups. Furthermore, they highlighted the exploitation of state resources to favor ruling parties. An open letter was presented to the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Electoral Justice Tribunal (TJE) during the event, calling for fair conditions, openness in access to public media, and safeguards against political intimidation of independent or minority candidates.
Background of the voting process and claims of bias
The 2025 electoral cycle in Honduras is unfolding amidst significant tension and division. The primary elections, conducted on March 9, featured the participation of the three principal parties: Libre, Partido Nacional, and Partido Liberal. These elections experienced notable delays in the provision of electoral supplies, especially in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, leading to dissatisfaction and claims of misconduct by both voters and political figures. The CNE admitted to logistical challenges, whereas opposition groups blamed the episodes on supposed interference by the military and the defense minister, who is also running for the presidency.
In this situation, emerging parties have criticized legislative initiatives that aim to advance the deadline for submitting candidate lists, viewing them as measures that limit their participation opportunities and reinforce political exclusion. These actions accompany allegations of unfair use of public resources and insufficient access to government media. Civil society and smaller parties are worried about maintaining political diversity and preventing restrictive practices from becoming established before the general elections in November 2025.
Government responses and public requests
The gathering outside the National Congress spotlighted the proactive involvement of civil society in overseeing the democratic process. Participants officially presented their requests to election officials, urging that fair conditions be assured for all political parties and that transparency be maintained in the distribution of public media space. They also called for robust safeguards against political intimidation, particularly for independent candidates and representatives of minority parties.
The parliamentary session from 2022 to 2026 of the National Congress, initiated after the 2021 elections, has experienced heightened division and internal turmoil, including disputes surrounding the selection of the leadership board and the splintering of political parties. This scenario has heightened the belief that actions benefit established parties and obstruct the inclusion of emerging political entities. Civil organizations have affirmed their dedication to observing and safeguarding areas for political engagement and freedom, highlighting that diversity is a core component of democracy in Honduras.