Honduran citizens are set to head to the polls on Sunday to select candidates from the three major political parties for the upcoming presidential election in November. The nation is currently grappling with deep-seated political polarization and is skeptical of both left- and right-wing leaders, who have not successfully addressed issues like security and economic development.
The electoral event unfolds during a period marked by a tense relationship between the United States and current Honduran President Xiomara Castro from the left-leaning LIBRE party. As the country’s first female leader, Castro had previously suggested halting U.S. access to a key airbase and reconsidered extradition agreements that had sent her predecessor to the U.S. on drug charges although she later retracted these proposals. Allegations of drug trafficking links have also clouded her extended family.
Reflecting diplomatic strains, the U.S. Secretary of State recently bypassed Honduras during his inaugural Central American tour. Voters on Sunday may opt for continuity, with Castro backing her defense minister, Rixi Moncada, despite criticism over her maintaining her governmental role while running for office—raising concerns about electoral fairness, given the military’s role in safeguarding ballots.
In a bid to return to earlier policies, former first lady Ana García, representing the National Party of Honduras, poses an alternative. García, whose husband, ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández, is currently serving a lengthy drug trafficking sentence, casts her campaign in line with his past leadership. Hernández endorsed García’s candidacy through a campaign message highlighting continuity with his administration.
The Conservative Liberal Party of Honduras presents a contest between two former Castro allies who have since become rivals. Salvador Nasralla, who aided Castro’s 2021 victory by aligning with her coalition, eventually resigned as vice president after feeling sidelined, while Jorge Cálix, a former congress member and lawyer, parted ways with Castro over leadership disagreements within Congress.
Nasralla and Cálix offer differing visions, with Nasralla drawing inspiration from Argentina’s libertarian governance and Cálix advocating a security strategy akin to that of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, hoping to replicate his stringent policies.
Comprised of 10 candidates vying for party endorsements, the primary elections will narrow the choices for the presidential race. Eleven additional parties will independently decide their candidates later. Voters will simultaneously elect congressional and mayoral representatives, with roughly 5.8 million voters eligible.
Historically, however, participation in these primary elections has been low, attributed to concerns that party affiliation could impede employment prospects if another party succeeds. Political analysts emphasize the need for transparency in these primaries, which have often been marred by irregularities.
Hondurans are particularly keen on candidates with clear strategies to tackle rampant issues in security, employment, corruption, and healthcare reform. Lingering low foreign investment has exacerbated unemployment, propelling emigrants abroad, while persisting violence and crime internally fuels instability, dominated by gang extortion and drug trafficking.
According to political analysts, the outcomes of these primaries hold significant weight, as they will determine the candidates for November’s pivotal election. It is essential that parties present strong contenders to instill confidence among voters seeking solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.
