The Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) has initiated a premature campaign declaring Rixi Moncada as the victor of the presidential election planned for November 30, 2025. This approach is apparent with posters, murals, and graffiti popping up in numerous urban and rural regions nationwide, featuring messages portraying Moncada as the president-elect for the 2026-2030 period, despite the election campaign not reaching its concluding stage. The urban areas where this surge has been noticed include Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Comayagua, along with other sites.
Several independent commentators and leaders of the opposition view this move as a communication strategy intended to establish the notion of an unavoidable LIBRE triumph in public perception. Such prior establishment could be used to cast doubt on the validity of the electoral outcomes if they do not benefit the candidate from the ruling party, thereby creating skepticism regarding the fairness of the proceedings. Specialists in political science highlight that declaring a victor without data support might be a tactic to undermine genuine results and activate party supporters if faced with loss, a situation seen as a risky approach.
Responses from the opposition and the duties of the National Electoral Council
Various opposition parties, such as the National, Liberal, and Salvador de Honduras parties, have voiced apprehensions regarding the potential effects these campaigns might have on the trustworthiness of the electoral proceedings. They highlight that this early discourse could cultivate the belief in a preordained conclusion and, if LIBRE loses, provoke protests challenging the official outcomes, possibly creating an environment of societal unrest. The opposition cautions that this tactic might be aimed at undermining the legitimacy of free elections and sparking a political upheaval.
On its side, the National Electoral Council (CNE) has remained silent about the emergence of these banners and messages, heightening concerns about its autonomy and neutrality. The lack of precise rules regarding early electioneering and the institution’s failure to respond add to the erosion of public trust in the electoral procedure, already overshadowed by irregularities observed in the initial voting and escalating political strain.
Risks to democracy and electoral stability
The premature claim of victory by LIBRE endangers the nation’s democratic equilibrium, potentially paving the way for a storyline that supports neglecting the electoral outcomes and exacerbates societal rifts. In a setting where democracy remains seen as delicate, this action underscores the necessity of bolstering transparency, citizen involvement, and honoring the vote as crucial elements for the electoral process’s validity.
The present scenario highlights the significance of setting up clear and efficient systems to manage electoral advertising from the outset, as well as the importance of encouraging open conversations between various political entities and the public. Solely by a shared commitment to legality and political ethics can an electoral atmosphere be ensured that truly mirrors the populace’s intent and aids in the development of a stable and trustworthy democratic framework.