The U.S.-Honduras relationship has faced instability, particularly under the Trump administration, with concerns regarding President Castro’s affiliations with China. As Honduras prepares for primary elections on March 9, 2025, three parties are embroiled in internal conflicts and allegations of corruption. U.S. support for electoral integrity has diminished, raising risks of illicit financing and violence. Ensuring transparency in campaign finances and bolstering U.S. cooperation is crucial for fair elections.
The relationship between the United States and Honduras has been significantly strained, particularly during the Trump administration. Key Republican figures express concern over President Xiomara Castro’s government due to its ties with China and support for authoritarian regimes in Nicaragua and Venezuela. In February 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio notably excluded Honduras from his Central America tour, underscoring this tension.
During Trump’s first term, relations were favorable towards former President Juan Orlando Hernández, prior to his extradition to the U.S. in 2022 for drug trafficking. Hernández was convicted in 2024, later allegations of electoral fraud during the 2017 elections emerged. Despite calls from Trump advisor Roger Stone alleging political motives behind Hernández’s prosecution, questions linger about the future of U.S.-Honduran ties. Notably, Castro has pledged to uphold the extradition treaty and collaborate on deportation plans, including repatriating Venezuelan migrants.
On March 9, 2025, Honduras will hold primary elections to elect candidates for the general elections slated for November 30, 2025. The current political landscape features three parties: the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE), the National Party (PN), and the Liberal Party (PL). Each party grapples with internal conflicts and presents various candidates, including potential candidates facing corruption allegations and ties to notable figures.
The LIBRE Party has nominated Rixi Moncada, with strong backing from both President Castro and former President Zelaya. Moncada, currently Defense Secretary, will need to resign to run. Also in the race is Rasel Tomé, current Vice President of Congress, who has faced U.S. sanctions for corrupt practices. The PN is represented by four candidates, including Ana García, the spouse of former President Hernández, and others facing corruption charges. The centrist PL has chosen Jorge Cálix, a LIBRE dissident, with supporters calling for stronger ties with Taiwan.
Once a supporter of democracy, U.S. cooperation to enhance Honduran electoral processes has waned, impacting institutions monitoring the elections. Although the Organization of American States (OAS) will intervene, limitations on U.S. funds could undermine the effectiveness of their full election observation mission. Civil society organizations engaged in election monitoring are currently hindered due to the suspension of U.S. financial support.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) both report halting assistance critical to ensuring election integrity. The freezing of funds affects a coalition of civil society organizations that previously fought for democratic values. Inadequate funding for monitoring will endanger the credibility of both the primaries and the upcoming general elections.
Electoral financing transparency is crucial, as illicit funds have historically harmed governance and enabled systemic corruption. The trial of Hernández highlighted the infiltration of transnational crime into Honduran politics. Auditing political campaign funding is vital to curbing the influence of criminal entities, retaining accountability, and ensuring legitimacy during elections.
Candidates are required to open bank accounts for contributions, yet compliance remains low. Only 21% of candidates to date have fulfilled this requirement, compromising electoral oversight. The Clean Politics Unit faces challenges like a confidentiality agreement preventing transparent funding disclosures, alongside lapses in U.S. support affecting essential monitoring capabilities.
The risk of electoral violence remains concerning amid ongoing territorial disputes and organized crime battles. Noteworthy attacks on electoral authorities and candidates, resulting in multiple assassinations, reflect this unrest. Honduras is listed among the least peaceful countries in the region due to pervasive crime and corruption, impacting stability and safety in the electoral process.
To facilitate free and transparent elections, Honduran authorities must commit to monitoring campaign finances and enhancing inter-institutional coordination. Trusted electoral oversight is essential to address criminal influences and electoral violence leading up to the elections. The U.S. government is urged to restore its cooperative stance in supporting electoral integrity and civil society initiatives.
In summary, the upcoming elections in Honduras face significant challenges, including internal political strife, elicit financing, and the risk of electoral violence. The U.S. must renew its efforts to support civil society and enhance electoral monitoring to ensure a fair electoral process. Building a transparent framework for campaign financing is also critical in mitigating corruption and restoring public confidence in the electoral system. Ultimately, the active engagement of both Honduran authorities and international partners will be vital in safeguarding the integrity of democracy in Honduras.
Original Source: www.wola.org
