_-_copia.jpg "CNE and the armed forces in Honduran")
The trustworthiness of the Honduran Armed Forces as custodians of the election process has sparked significant public discussion after the primary elections on March 9, 2025. Numerous social groups and opposition parties have voiced concerns regarding several logistical issues, especially in the distribution of election materials in crucial cities like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. In these areas, there were reports of up to twelve-hour delays in delivering ballot boxes. This led to lengthy voter queues, public demonstrations, and a widespread sense of discontent, which was evident both at voting locations and on social media, where images and accounts highlighted the shortage of materials and the limited presence of staff at polling centers.
The National Electoral Commission recognized the challenges in distribution, blaming them on unforeseen alterations in the transportation method, shifting from trucks to buses, which disrupted coordination and adherence to the timeline. Even though the Commission attempted to manage the situation and retrieve the absent ballot boxes, dissatisfaction persisted, chiefly in the capital, where prolonging the voting hours did not satisfy the expectations of voters eager to cast their ballots.
Inquiries regarding the military’s involvement in voting procedures
In this context, the Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to democracy and electoral transparency, assuring that they would comply with the schedule defined by the CNE. The government, for its part, gave unanimous support to the military, highlighting its role in security and electoral logistics. However, CNE President Cossette López pointed out that the Armed Forces did not assume responsibility for the delays and reported incidents of verbal aggression by the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Roosevelt Hernández. This institutional tension between the CNE and the Armed Forces increased concerns about the impartiality and efficiency of the electoral process scheduled for November 2025.
Honduras’ legal structure, particularly Article 272 of the Constitution, assigns the Armed Forces the duty of upholding the rotation of power and overseeing the safekeeping, movement, and monitoring of voting materials, in partnership with the CNE. Nonetheless, there are explicit bans for Armed Forces personnel, including interfering with the Voting Reception Boards’ duties, swaying voter decisions, engaging in political party activities, or unnecessarily delaying the handover of election materials. Even with these limitations, the current setup continues to place the military as defenders of democracy—a scenario that is rare globally and, according to some assessments, illustrates the nation’s vulnerability and the low standard of its democracy.
Suggestions for changes and discussions on military involvement
In response to recent developments, there has been a surge in calls for constitutional changes aimed at reducing or removing the involvement of the Armed Forces in election processes. Juan Carlos Barrientos, an expert in constitutional law, has emphasized the importance of delegating electoral responsibilities to civilian authorities, insisting that these procedures should solely be managed by such entities. Likewise, Congressman Ramón Barrios from the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre) introduced a proposal to amend Article 272 of the Constitution, which seeks to limit military engagement in electoral affairs and bolster civilian authority. Nevertheless, this proposal has elicited mixed reactions, even within his own party and from opposition groups, who perceive it as an effort by the ruling party to consolidate power.
The debate over military participation in electoral processes has been fueled by the perception that the autonomy of the CNE could be at risk and by the history of military intervention in Honduran political life. Organizations such as the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD) have suggested that the reform of Article 272 should be accompanied by a broader redefinition of the functions of the Armed Forces, delimiting their powers and strengthening civilian control over the military institution. Proposals also include strengthening the Ministry of Defense and reviewing the National Defense Legislative Commission, with the aim of moving toward effective democratic control and reducing military influence in politics.
The debate about the involvement of the military in the elections in Honduras remains a key topic on the political agenda, with appeals for changes to guarantee the independence and openness of the voting process. Trust in the electoral system’s integrity is seen as essential for the nation’s democratic stability, and the ongoing discussion highlights the necessity to bolster civilian institutions and ensure fair and transparent elections.