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OAS Electoral Mission in Honduras Calls for Ensuring that Electoral Authorities can Carry Out their Work with Full Autonomy and Independence

The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Honduras, led by former Paraguayan Foreign Minister Eladio Loizaga, calls for ensuring the full independence and autonomy of the electoral authorities so they can focus on their technical work.

In this regard, said authorities must have the necessary security to carry out their functions and express their opinions free from intimidation and excessive judicial intervention. The Mission views with alarm that members of the National Electoral Council (CNE) have considered leaving their posts, alleging external interference and pressure.

The OAS Mission also calls on the various actors to moderate the tone of political discourse to prevent the rhetoric from affecting the peaceful development of this preelectoral phase and negatively impacting election day. It also considers that all guarantees should be given to registered candidates to carry out their campaigns and activities within the framework of democratic principles and to avoid the judicialization of the process. Honduras deserves for the elections to take place in an atmosphere of tranquility and respect, with a campaign centered on proposals that benefit citizens.

During its visit to the country, the OAS/EOM was able to ascertain that all Honduran political actors desire a free, fair, transparent, and credible electoral process. The Mission considers that this consensus is a fundamental step toward fostering collaboration and ensuring that the next elections meet this shared objective.

During its preliminary visit, the OAS/EOM met with the President of the Republic, Xiomara Castro; the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Javier Bu Soto; members of the Electoral Court; the councilor of the National Electoral Council (CNE); the Vice President of Congress, Rasel Tome; the five presidential candidates, Mario Rivera (DC), Jorge Nelson Ávila (PINU-SD), Nasry Asfura (PN), Rixi Moncada (Libre), and Salvador Nasralla (Liberal); as well as some members of the international community accredited in the country to learn about the different perspectives on the development of the ongoing electoral process.

The OAS/EOM appreciates the openness with which the various individuals received the team, and the information shared during the meetings. At the same time, it reiterates its commitment to collaboration and maintains open channels of communication with all parties. Ahead of the November elections, the OAS/EOM will deploy a robust Mission throughout the country, which will include, among other areas, specialists in electoral technology and electoral organization.

Reference: E-040/25