US congressman raises concerns over Honduras’ political path and urges suspension of ruling party’s candidacy

US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed concern about the political direction Honduras is taking, warning of the possible consolidation of an ideological model akin to so-called 21st-century socialism. In this context, she urged Honduran citizens to reject the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), in the elections scheduled for November 2025.

Criticism of the Honduran government’s geopolitical alliance

During her remarks in Washington, Salazar criticized what she views as an effort by the leading party in Honduras to emulate a model influenced by the administrations of Cuba and Venezuela. The lawmaker claims that President Xiomara Castro and her associate and intended political heir, Rixi Moncada, are advancing an agenda of authoritarianism, supported by partnerships with governments she labeled as “corrupt and unsuccessful.”

Además, la congresista republicana presentó un proyecto de ley ante el Congreso de EE. UU. con el objetivo de limitar la entrada al territorio estadounidense de aquellos candidatos involucrados en procesos electorales considerados corruptos. Aunque esta medida no está dirigida específicamente a nadie, forma parte de una postura crítica hacia actores políticos que, según Salazar, ponen en riesgo la estabilidad democrática de la región.

Appeal to residents and community responses

The legislator made a direct appeal to Honduran citizens to actively participate in the general elections on November 30, 2025. In her words, the challenge is to “defeat socialism” at the polls and prevent Honduras from continuing an ideological shift that, in her view, would pose a threat to representative democracy. To this end, she proposed unifying the opposition around a single candidate who can successfully challenge the ruling party.

The statements have been received with interest by opposition sectors in Honduras, which for months have been seeking to form an electoral alliance against the Libre party. Within the country, Salazar’s speech has been interpreted by some actors as explicit support for the opposition, while the government has pointed to these statements as evidence of foreign interference.

Division in elections and the political landscape

Rixi Moncada was recently affirmed as the LIBRE party’s presidential nominee following a significant victory in the party’s primary elections.

Her candidacy comes at a time of high political polarization, criticism of the government’s performance, and tensions over the concentration of power in the executive branch. The ruling party is seeking to remain in power for a second consecutive term, which has raised concerns among social, political, and business sectors.

Among the key topics of discussion are the course of Honduran foreign policy, the nation’s proximity to administrations that are not aligned with Washington, and claims of authoritarian behaviors within the state machinery.

A political landscape under international pressure

The Honduran electoral scenario is unfolding under the scrutiny of international actors who, as in the case of Congresswoman Salazar, are showing growing concern about the country’s institutional drift. These external warnings coincide with a period of reorganization of the opposition, which is seeking to unite against a consolidated pro-government candidate.

As the formal campaign approaches, the country faces the challenge of sustaining a competitive, transparent, and undisturbed electoral process in an environment where ideological, geopolitical, and social tensions are affecting democratic stability and institutional balance.