Electoral system of Honduras, goals and challenges

Abstract

The 2025 electoral cycle in Honduras is identified as a critical turning point characterized by a profound institutional crisis and marked citizen distrust. The process has been marred by allegations of political manipulation, the instrumentalization of justice bodies, and a worrying lack of independence within the National Electoral Council (CNE). In this environment, the ruling party (Libre) has faced a notable collapse in popular support, placing its candidate in a distant third place with 19% of voting intent. This has led to allegations of "monumental fraud" by the government and tensions with international observers such as the OAS and the European Union. Historically, the electoral system has transitioned from a hegemonic bipartisanship (Liberal and National parties) toward a fragmented multiparty configuration, a fracture accelerated by the 2009 political crisis. In this scenario, primary elections operate as the determining mechanism for the internal cohesion of parties and the legitimation of candidacies. Despite this opening, structural challenges in democratic quality persist, evidenced by a weakening relationship between the political system and civil society, as well as extreme polarization based on negative partisan identities. Methodologically, the research employs a quantitative approach with a descriptive and correlational scope, utilizing a longitudinal design that analyzes electoral cycles between 2005 and 2025. Techniques such as social media data mining (Twitter) and analysis of official results were used to evaluate the transition from "videopolitics" to "cyberpolitics". The results reveal a prevalence of the horse-race strategy, where public debate centers on poll leadership rather than substantive programmatic proposals. It is concluded that Honduran democracy is going through a critical transition stage, seeking stability in the face of social demands and the limitations of its current electoral architecture.