Challenges and Prospects of the Upcoming Primary Elections in Honduras

The relationship between the U.S. and Honduras has deteriorated, particularly under the Trump administration, with concerns over President Xiomara Castro’s ties to China. The upcoming primary elections are significant as three parties vie for candidates amidst allegations of corruption and halted U.S. support. Electoral violence remains a threat, underscoring the need for transparency in campaign financing and a collaborative approach among Honduran authorities and the U.S.

The United States and Honduras have historically strained relations, which have worsened during the Trump administration. Notably, the government of President Xiomara Castro is viewed by many in the Republican Party as a threat due to its ties with China and support for authoritarian regimes in the region, such as Nicaragua and Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s omission of Honduras during his Central America tour in February 2025 signals discontent.

The Trump administration had a stable partnership with former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was extradited and convicted on drug trafficking charges. Revelations during his trial exposed electoral misconduct from the 2017 elections. Roger Stone, a Trump advisor, suggested Hernández was targeted for resisting Castro’s leftist agenda, presenting further complications for U.S.-Honduran relations, especially as Castro seeks cooperation with the U.S. on migrant deportation.

Upcoming primary elections on March 9 will play a critical role in shaping Honduras’ political future ahead of general elections on November 30, 2025. Three political parties are at the forefront: the leftist Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) nominating Rixi Moncada and Rasel Tomé, the right-wing National Party (PN) with four candidates including Ana García, and the centrist Liberal Party (PL) with candidates Jorge Cálix and Salvador Nasralla.

The U.S. has ceased cooperation, impacting electoral institutions and civil society. Although the OAS will send a technical team, the lack of U.S. funding jeopardizes comprehensive election observation for the November elections. Furthermore, international and national civil organizations face significant operational disruptions, which undermine the electoral integrity necessary for a successful election cycle.

Illicit campaign financing endangers Honduran democracy by enabling corruption and impunity within the government. The recent trial of Hernández exposes the deep involvement of drug trafficking in politics. There is a pressing need for electoral authorities to enforce stringent audits of campaign funds and increase transparency among political parties to combat organized crime’s influence.

Electoral violence persists, exemplified by increasing attacks on candidates and electoral officials, reflecting territorial disputes among competing factions and organized crime. Honduras’ status on the Global Peace Index illustrates its ongoing struggles with violence from corruption and illicit economies, particularly affecting Indigenous populations and environmental defenders.

To ensure free, fair elections, Honduran authorities must demonstrate a commitment to robust monitoring of campaign funds and inter-agency collaboration, especially with the Electoral Crimes Prosecutor’s Office. The U.S. must restore its support for electoral institutions and civil society, enhancing the integrity of electoral processes, and intensifying efforts against organized crime to mitigate threats related to electoral financing and violence.

The Honduras primary elections are a pivotal moment for the country’s political future amidst significant challenges. The U.S. must reassess its approach to support democratic integrity and civil society engagement in Honduras. Ensuring transparency in campaign financing and mitigating electoral violence are crucial steps toward fostering sustainable democracy. Restoration of U.S. collaboration is vital to support electoral integrity and combat the threats posed by organized crime.

Original Source: www.wola.org