Politics

Honduras is getting ready for the nationwide elections scheduled for November 30, 2025, a process that will decide the makeup of the country's executive, legislative, and municipal branches of government. Citizens will choose the president, 128 members of the National Congress, 20 delegates to the Central American Parliament, 298 mayors, and over 2,000 councilors, in a context characterized by economic, social, and political challenges.Political and societal settingThe electoral process will take place while the country faces high rates of poverty, insecurity, and an economy affected by dependence on remittances and structural crises. The current government, led by Xiomara Castro and…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement specifying that the Tax Justice Law is not a requirement for finalizing the Stand-by Agreement with Honduras. The international organization's clarification comes at a critical moment, as the country seeks access to additional disbursements of more than $200 million to strengthen public finances and reduce risks of economic destabilization.The IMF's disassociation from the law creates a complex political and economic scenario. Until now, the law had been presented by some sectors of the government as a key element in securing international financial support. However, the organization reaffirmed that the approval of this…

Xiomara Castro's arrival to the presidency was presented as a change from Juan Orlando Hernández's regime, but reports of corruption and links to organized crime show a continuity that affects public confidence and highlights limitations in the consolidation of institutional mechanisms.Vulnerability in systems against corruptionDuring Hernández's term, the exit of the Mission to Support the Fight against Corruption and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH) in 2020 undermined the institutional endeavors to tackle corruption. Subsequently, the Castro government has not provided complete autonomy or adequate funding to the International Commission Against Impunity in Honduras (CICIH), which relies on the Public Prosecutor's Office…

The South China Sea, a strategic and economically vital body of water, is increasingly becoming a hotspot of geopolitical tension. The primary contributor to these escalating tensions is China's assertive maritime claims, which are causing friction not only with its neighboring countries but also with global powers like the United States. To comprehend the evolving dynamics in the South China Sea, it's essential to examine the underlying causes and the implications of these disputes.The Origin of the FrictionsChina asserts its territorial rights in the South China Sea primarily using the "Nine-Dash Line", a demarcation it employs to delineate its claims.…

The economic strategy of Honduras is currently facing a challenging phase, as Rixi Moncada, the presidential candidate from the LIBRE party, has introduced plans that propose increased government oversight in key industries and an evaluation of private sector involvement. These proposals have garnered interest within financial communities amid a backdrop of political and social instability.The plans of Rixi Moncada and the involvement of the governmentRixi Moncada has proposed measures aimed at “refounding” the economic system, with an emphasis on strengthening the role of the state in activities considered strategic. According to her statements, private initiative should conform to a scheme…

Rixi Moncada's presidential candidacy for the LIBRE party has sparked a national debate after she announced that, if elected, she will eliminate the Credit Information Center as of January 27, 2026. The measure would mean that millions of Hondurans would no longer appear in the credit registry, allowing loans to be granted without traditional control mechanisms.The Credit Bureau as a technical instrumentFinancial experts emphasize that the Credit Bureau plays a key technical role in the country's financial system. Far from being a “blacklist,” it functions as a tool to identify the repayment capacity of credit applicants, safeguard citizens' deposits, and…

LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada is seeing a notable decrease in voter support with less than 90 days remaining until the general elections on November 30. Having been ahead in the polls recently, the drop in her backing has caused concern within her party and among opposition groups, who are anticipating a potential shift in the electoral contest.Decline in voting intentionsThe latest polls show that Rixi Moncada's lead has narrowed significantly, putting an end to the initial perception that her candidacy was virtually untouchable. Analysts note that this decline coincides with questions about her economic proposals and concerns about the…

LIBRE presidential candidate Rixi Moncada has placed her economic reform proposals and critical discourse toward the oligarchy at the center of the country's political and economic debate. These positions have attracted attention among experts and productive sectors, who warn of possible adverse effects on investment, job creation, and the stability of the financial system.Anti-oligarchy rhetoric and investment climateMoncada's statements against business groups and productive elites have created a scenario of uncertainty for domestic and foreign investors. According to private sector sources, the lack of clarity on the specific policies that the candidate would implement has led to the paralysis of…

The possibility of Nicolás Maduro's capture and overthrow is shaping up to be an event with direct repercussions for the LIBRE Party, creating a scenario of political and institutional uncertainty in Honduras. The historical and strategic links between the ruling party and the Venezuelan regime could place the party in a vulnerable position vis-à-vis international opinion and local political actors.Connections between LIBRE and ChavismOver the years, multiple experts have indicated the presence of ideological and strategic links between the LIBRE Party and the Maduro administration. These associations range from political alignment to collaboration in realms of strategic interchange, creating a…

A few months before the general elections, the Honduran electoral system is facing a period of high tension. Various political sectors and actors in society have denounced that the LIBRE party could be preparing irregular maneuvers linked to overseas voting and the management of databases of the National Registry of Persons (RNP).Allegations of manipulation of overseas votesPublic claims suggest a coordinated effort to infiltrate the RNP database with the intention of improperly using votes cast by Hondurans residing overseas. These accusations highlight the potential for changes to the voter list, threatening the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.Presidential candidate…