Liberal congresswoman Maribel Espinoza warned of signs that, in her opinion, threaten the constitutional order ahead of the elections scheduled for November 30. In a context of high institutional polarization, the congresswoman called on the main opposition parties to act against what she considers a strategy by the ruling party to consolidate its power beyond democratic channels.
Warning signs in the conduct of the electoral process
During a public speech, Espinoza accused the ruling party, Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE), of promoting actions aimed at controlling the electoral apparatus for the purpose of remaining in power. Among her main concerns, she pointed to the possible manipulation of the National Electoral Council (CNE), a body currently embroiled in disputes over the vacancy left by 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 legal field, Espinoza contended that the Public Ministry’s lack of action regarding accusations related to members of the ruling party strengthens a sense of impunity. She claimed that the absence of inquiries undermines institutional oversight and intensifies the disparity among government branches.
Call to opposition parties and concrete proposals
Given this scenario, Espinoza encouraged the heads of the National Party, the Salvadoran Party of Honduras, and his own Liberal Party to remain steadfast in upholding democratic values. He urged them in his statement to resist any institutional reversals or the abandonment of constitutional rights under the guise of achieving consensus.
As immediate measures, he proposed the urgent election of Hall’s replacement in the CNE to ensure the electoral body’s operational capacity. He also advocated extending the deadline for implementing the Preliminary Election Results Transmission System (TREP), a key mechanism for strengthening the credibility of the vote count.
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 cautionary note, despite being expressed in adversarial language, underscores the strains impacting the nation’s institutional framework. The direction followed by the electoral process in November will be crucial in assessing the robustness of the democratic system and the government’s capacity to maintain its authenticity amidst increasing indications of conflict.