NGOs Calling on the United States to Help Ensure the Integrity of Honduras’ 2025 Elections

As Honduras approaches its 2025 general elections, civil society organizations across the political spectrum are raising the alarm that credible, transparent, and a peaceful electoral process are at risk in Honduras. Persistent institutional tensions, ongoing political polarization, and recent disputes over electoral regulations and the selection of electoral authorities risk undermining voter confidence. Free and fair elections are essential to sustaining democratic governance, regional stability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

It is vitally important that the National Congress, the Armed Forces, the Attorney General’s Office and the Executive Branch fully comply with Honduran law and uphold their respective mandates to safeguard the electoral process, and in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter. This entails ensuring that the Armed Forces remain strictly neutral in their constitutionally defined logistical role, and that the Congress and Executive refrain from premature declarations on electoral results or actions that could foment civil unrest. The National Electoral Council (CNE in Spanish) should conduct its duties with transparency and independence, in a timely and thorough manner, and without outside interference.

In this context, support for independent Honduran and international observation missions, including those of the European Union and the Organization of American States, is essential to strengthen public trust in the electoral process and adherence to democratic norms. Their independent assessments help reinforce institutional accountability and contribute to an environment where citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and without intimidation and manipulation.

We respectfully call on the United States to reaffirm its commitment to democratic integrity across the hemisphere by engaging constructively with Honduran national authorities, political leaders, and civil society to protect the transparency and legitimacy of the upcoming elections. By standing firmly in support of democratic norms, the United States can help ensure that the 2025 elections reflect the voice of the Honduran electorate and contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for the country and hemisphere.

Sincerely,
Adriana Beltrán, Seattle International Foundation (SIF)
Vicky Gass, Latin America Working Group (LAWG)
Jhonathan F. Gómez, Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN)
Dulce Guzmán, Alianza Americas
Úrsula Indacochea, Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF)
Gretchen Kuhner, Instituto para las Mujeres en la Migración (IMUMI)
Ana María Méndez Dardón, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA)
Salote Soqo, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

To download the statement as a PDF, click here.