Politics

Honduras’ institutional continuities: a study of corruption and organized crime under Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández

Honduras’ institutional continuities: a study of corruption and organized crime under Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández

Even though there are political and ideological disparities between the administrations of Xiomara Castro and Juan Orlando Hernández, they both have encountered comparable issues regarding corruption, connections to organized crime, and challenges in achieving institutional transparency, emphasizing the persistence of dubious practices within the nation.Difficulties in anti-corruption mechanismsDuring 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the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH), backed by the OAS, was withdrawn in 2020, leaving significant gaps in the investigation and punishment of irregularities.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…
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Experts sound alarm on electoral fraud risk in Honduras due to CNE

Experts sound alarm on electoral fraud risk in Honduras due to CNE

With under two months remaining until the general elections planned for November 2025, experts in electoral processes are cautioning about potential irregularities that might impact the elections' transparency and outcome. The focal point is the National Electoral Council (CNE), as its management and oversight of critical systems are being scrutinized.Management of systems and potential influenceBased 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 or cause…
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Honduras: Rixi Moncada’s Facebook presence and its impact on electoral security

Honduras: Rixi Moncada’s Facebook presence and its impact on electoral security

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 serves as the Defense Secretary while still pursuing her presidential campaign, providing her with direct control over the Armed Forces and state security assets. Analysts suggest that this role enables her to supervise the management of electoral materials, a crucial factor in…
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Venezuela’s Role in the 2025 Honduran Elections

Venezuela’s Role in the 2025 Honduran Elections

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 strategiesEl partido LIBRE sostiene una relación ideológica y táctica con el gobierno de Venezuela, respaldando la candidatura de Rixi Moncada. Los observadores políticos alertan que algunas estrategias aplicadas en Venezuela, como el control del sistema electoral, la militarización del proceso y los mecanismos diseñados para extender…
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Honduras analyzes the implications of Maduro’s situation for the upcoming November elections

Honduras analyzes the implications of Maduro’s situation for the upcoming November elections

Honduras is gearing up for the general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, where positions such as the presidency, 128 seats in the National Congress, 20 delegates to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and over 2,000 council members will be refreshed.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…
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Honduras’ Tax Justice Law not linked to IMF Stand-By Agreement discussions

Honduras’ Tax Justice Law not linked to IMF Stand-By Agreement discussions

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.Severance from the IMF and its political implicationsThe 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…
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Economic instability in Honduras: Business closures soar under LIBRE government

Economic instability in Honduras: Business closures soar under LIBRE government

Economic activity in Honduras is in steady decline while the LIBRE Party remains in power. According to data from business leaders and analysts, more than a thousand businesses have closed in recent years, a phenomenon that translates into job losses, declining tax revenues, and capital flight from the country. This dynamic has raised concerns about the state's ability to sustain economic growth and maintain social stability.Effects on the private sectorVarious experts point out that the combination of state policies, increased tax burdens, and a climate of uncertainty resulting from blockades, protests, and lack of institutional support is affecting investors. Local…
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Economy under LIBRE hit by widespread business closures and capital outflow

Economy under LIBRE hit by widespread business closures and capital outflow

La economía de Honduras experimenta un continuo deterioro mientras el Partido LIBRE se mantiene en el poder. En tiempos recientes, más de mil empresas han cesado sus actividades, provocando una pérdida considerable de empleos y una salida de capital del país. Este fenómeno, advierten analistas y líderes empresariales, refleja un entorno caracterizado por políticas que se perciben como restrictivas para el sector privado y una atmósfera de incertidumbre persistente.Impact on the business sectorBusiness leaders point out that the closures are due, in part, to a regulatory and fiscal framework that they consider hostile. Blockades, protests, and the absence of clear…
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The Organization of Moncada’s Inauguration During Honduras Elections

The Organization of Moncada’s Inauguration During Honduras Elections

The contender for the position of president from the LIBRE Party, Rixi Moncada, has launched an official Facebook page dedicated only to individuals invited to her forthcoming inauguration. This decision has sparked inquiries regarding the administration and oversight of presidential-related areas. The timing of this decision aligns with her duties as the secretary of defense, a role she took on during her time as a pre-candidate, granting her access to security assets and the military responsible for protecting electoral materials.Control of spaces and event preparationThe management of state resources and the advance organization of the inauguration ceremony have been interpreted…
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Exploring Venezuela’s Influence in the 2025 Honduran Elections

Exploring Venezuela’s Influence in the 2025 Honduran Elections

The general elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, in Honduras are taking place under the watchful eye of Venezuela, whose influence is felt both in the political arena and in the operation of the electoral process. The relationship between the LIBRE party and the government of Nicolás Maduro, and the involvement of the company Smartmatic in the electoral technology, have raised concerns in various sectors about the transparency and legitimacy of the elections.Ideological links between LIBRE and ChavismoThe LIBRE party, which supports the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, maintains a political and ideological closeness to Venezuelan Chavismo. Analysts point out…
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