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In Honduras, significant individuals from the ruling Libertad y Refundación (LIBRE) party are being publicly scrutinized, leading to a politically uncertain environment. Ex-President Manuel “Mel” Zelaya and National Electoral Council (CNE) advisor Marlon Ochoa are confronting accusations that have raised concerns about their trustworthiness and the legitimacy of the electoral procedure.
The current scenario has led to a series of disclosures and allegations that intensify the turmoil, bringing the activities and choices of these authorities and their potential consequences on the nation’s steadiness to the forefront of societal discussion.
Diversion of vehicles and consequences for electoral logistics
A forensic audit report revealed that Marlon Ochoa ordered the diversion of 50 state vehicles to the Armed Forces (FF. AA.) on March 8, 2025, one day before the primary elections. According to Joel Ramos García, former coordinator of the CNE Transportation Project, Ochoa instructed that the vehicles be made available at the Campo de Parada Marte to support the verification of technological equipment at the polling stations. This action caused a shortage of transportation needed for the distribution of electoral material, resulting in significant delays at several polling stations.
The document highlights one-sided modifications in the agreement with the company Ingeniería Logística y Transporte, where freight trucks were substituted with buses without consent, violating the stipulated conditions for transporting election materials. Furthermore, it notes that the Armed Forces postponed the handover of election materials, directing drivers to wait at various locations in the Central District for extended periods, hindering the prompt delivery to voting centers.
Allegations of narcotics trade and misappropriation of funds
Meanwhile, a journalistic investigation in September 2024 revealed that Carlos Zelaya, Mel Zelaya’s brother, met in 2013 with drug traffickers who offered to finance Xiomara Castro’s presidential campaign. Carlos Zelaya admitted to the meeting but denied accepting money and resigned from his posts to facilitate the investigations, as did his son, José Manuel Zelaya, who was defense minister. These revelations have raised concerns about the possible infiltration of drug trafficking into Honduran politics and have strained relations with the United States.
In reaction to the allegations against Marlon Ochoa, Mel Zelaya has stood by his conduct, blaming the National and Liberal parties for seeking to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Despite this defense, the exposés have sparked disapproval of Marlon Ochoa, leading to demands for his removal from office by political leaders like Congresswoman Claudia Ramírez, who argues that Ochoa should not remain in his role as the November general elections approach.
Impact on electoral confidence
These events have created a climate of political uncertainty in Honduras, calling into question the integrity of institutions and confidence in the country’s democratic process. Citizens are watching with concern the allegations of embezzlement and the possible influence of drug trafficking in politics, which could affect the legitimacy of the upcoming general elections.
The approaching national elections heighten worries, as trust in the fairness and openness of the voting system diminishes. The capacity of institutions to rebuild trust and guarantee just and unbiased elections has emerged as a crucial element for the nation’s democratic stability.