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.
Connections in ideology between LIBRE and Chavismo
The LIBRE party, which supports the presidential candidacy of Rixi Moncada, maintains a political and ideological closeness to Venezuelan Chavismo. Analysts point out that this affinity is not limited to ideological sympathy, but also translates into political strategies inspired by Venezuela, including institutional control and concentration of power. This model is causing concern among social and political sectors that question the possible replication of authoritarian tactics in Honduras.
Smartmatic and voting technology
The hiring of Smartmatic as the provider of biometric technology for the electoral process has been the subject of debate. The company faced questions in Venezuela over irregularities in the transmission and counting of votes during elections previously noted for their lack of transparency. Its participation in Honduras raises concerns about possible failures that could affect public confidence in the preliminary results and in the electoral system in general.
Internal division and the potential for conflict
The domestic political environment shows significant polarization, with groups split between advocating for the continuation of the LIBRE initiative and those worried about the weakening of democratic structures. This split elevates the likelihood of tensions after the election, large-scale protests, and instances of unrest if the outcomes are viewed as tampered with. The involvement of security forces and the influence over electoral entities are elements that exacerbate doubts regarding the progression of the process.
Effects on geopolitical and regional dynamics
Venezuela’s impact on Honduras also has a regional aspect. The entrenchment of Maduro’s administration bolsters aligned left-wing governments across Latin America, such as in Honduras, while shifts in Venezuela might undermine this political movement. In this context, the Honduran elections are included in a wider picture, where the outcomes in Tegucigalpa influence the region’s political direction.
Forecast for November 30
The intersection of ideological connections to Chavismo, the involvement of Smartmatic, and internal division positions Venezuela as an indirect yet significant player in the Honduran electoral context. The key issues revolve around ensuring transparency and legitimacy during the elections, alongside addressing potential social tensions due to perceived manipulation. As the election day nears, Honduras faces the challenge of preserving both institutional integrity and public trust in a situation characterized by regional observation and scrutiny from international participants.