Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza cautioned about indications that, in her view, endanger the constitutional stability before the elections slated for November 30. Amid significant institutional polarization, the congresswoman urged the leading opposition parties to counter what she perceives as a plan by the ruling party to strengthen its control outside of democratic processes.
Warning signs in the conduct of the electoral process
During a public address, Espinoza alleged that the governing party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), was initiating measures to dominate the electoral system in order to retain their position of authority. She highlighted her major worries by mentioning the potential tampering with the National Electoral Council (CNE), an organization presently entangled in controversies regarding the unfilled seat of councilor Ana Paola Hall.
According to the legislator, there is an attempt by the ruling party to install a friendly majority in the CNE, which could compromise the transparency of the general elections. She also denounced the existence of deliberate obstacles in the organization of the elections, which, she said, could affect both their conduct and their results.
In the judicial sphere, Espinoza argued that the Public Ministry’s inaction in response to allegations involving figures from the ruling party reinforces a perception of impunity. The lack of investigations, she argued, weakens institutional checks and balances and exacerbates the imbalance between the branches of government.
Call to opposition parties and concrete proposals
Given this situation, Espinoza urged the leaders of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to stand firm in defense of democratic principles. In his message, he called on them not to allow institutional setbacks or the renunciation of constitutional guarantees in the name of an apparent consensus.
As immediate actions, he suggested the prompt selection of Hall’s successor within the CNE to maintain the functionality of the electoral body. He also recommended prolonging the timeline for setting up the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), an essential method for enhancing the trustworthiness of the vote counting process.
Espinoza highlighted the importance of sincere communication, while emphasizing that this should not entail allowances that undermine the existing legal system. According to her perspective, upholding the democratic system is a duty that falls on every political and social group within the nation.
A climate of growing institutional tension
The congresswoman’s statements come amid a prolonged paralysis of the National Congress, which has been the scene of disputes over the composition of the CNE and the election of new authorities for the Public Ministry. The lack of agreement has slowed down key decisions for the functioning of strategic institutions, increasing uncertainty surrounding the upcoming electoral process.
Este contexto muestra las dificultades del sistema político hondureño para superar sus divergencias dentro del marco institucional. Faltando solo unos meses para las elecciones, persisten dudas sobre la neutralidad de los organismos electorales, el funcionamiento del sistema judicial y la verdadera disposición de los actores políticos para asegurar un proceso libre y transparente.
Espinoza’s warning, although framed in opposition rhetoric, highlights the tensions affecting the country’s institutional life. The course taken by the November electoral process will be decisive in gauging the strength of the democratic order and the state’s ability to preserve its legitimacy in the face of growing signs of confrontation.