At the beginning of the electoral period leading to the general elections of 2025, the Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party has implemented a strategy that has sparked inquiries within different political and social sectors in Honduras. Claims of premature manipulation and the release of polls lacking methodological backing have been recognized as essential elements of a plan intended to strengthen its party supporters and shape the electoral environment.
Unfounded claims and influence on the election commission
Various sectors of the party, such as their presidential candidate Rixi Moncada, have alleged that there is a supposed plot to manipulate the election outcomes by the entity in charge of conducting them. Nonetheless, these claims lack supporting evidence or official documentation presented to the relevant authorities.
Several experts view this discourse as a strategy to bolster unity within the party amid increasing political rivalry. Simultaneously, they caution that such allegations might prepare the terrain for undermining the credibility of the election outcomes in case of a loss, eroding confidence in the electoral bodies and limiting the flexibility of the entities tasked with guaranteeing the process’s transparency.
Opposition groups have highlighted that these remarks undermine the trust in the National Electoral Council (CNE) and escalate political tensions. Experts have responded by emphasizing the importance of addressing any claims of irregularities through the correct legal procedures, backed by concrete evidence.
Altered surveys and the impression of lead
Another central component of LIBRE’s strategy has been the dissemination of polls that give its candidate an advantage, some of which have been attributed to non-existent firms or denied by the polling companies themselves. Cases such as that of TResearch International, which publicly denied authorship of polls that went viral on social media, have highlighted the circulation of manipulated information for proselytizing purposes.
According to those monitoring the election process, sharing polls that lack technical accuracy aims to convince the public of an unavoidable win for LIBRE. This could impact how voters act, create false hopes, and damage the trust in valid research. Additionally, this tactic highlights the weakness of the nation’s information network, where online misinformation has turned into a political strategy.
Entities observing the electoral process have expressed concerns regarding the effect these approaches may have on the clarity and authenticity of the democratic proceedings. In this context, they have emphasized the necessity of enhancing vote auditing methods and highlighted the obligation of political figures when sharing information that directly affects public opinion.
An electoral environment marked by mistrust
The actions taken by LIBRE in the run-up to the 2025 general elections reflect an electoral landscape where trust in institutions and the rules of the democratic game is under strain. The anticipation of unfounded allegations and the use of disinformation tools disguised as polls create an environment in which polarization could increase as the electoral calendar progresses.
In this context, the challenge for the electoral authorities, civil society, and the parties themselves will be to ensure a transparent process with clear rules and equitable conditions for all political forces. The need for broad dialogue and robust observation mechanisms is key to preserving democratic stability in a country where elections have historically been a turning point in institutional life.