OAS Electoral Observation Mission takes note of the certification of Honduras’ presidential election

Press Release

OAS Electoral Observation Mission takes note of the certification of Honduras' presidential election

The Organization of American States Electoral Observation Mission (OAS/EOM) in Honduras, headed by former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay Eladio Loizaga, takes note of the certification of Honduras' presidential election issued today by the corresponding electoral authority. This decision, adopted by the collegiate body constitutionally mandated to do so, comes in an extremely polarized and complex post-electoral context, which has prevented electoral authorities from working with the calm and autonomy that are proper to a democracy, even affecting their personal integrity and that of their families.

The Mission is aware that there are actors who have expressed disagreements with the electoral process and its outcome. In this regard, it calls for the remaining procedures still underway to be concluded. The OAS/EOM reaffirms that it did not identify any decisive fraudulent elements and considers that the certified results reflect the will expressed by citizens at the ballot boxes that were counted. Accordingly, should there be challenges, the Mission urges that they be channeled through the corresponding legal avenues.

As reported by the Chief of Mission on December 15 to the OAS Permanent Council, during the post-electoral stage, delays were observed in the handling of retrieved materials and limitations in the implementation of technological solutions for processing the results. While these shortcomings affected the timeliness and clarity of official information, the Mission confirmed that they did not compromise the integrity of the election. The circulation of disinformation in this context generated uncertainty among the population, a situation that was exacerbated by the absence of timely institutional communications by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

The OAS/EOM also documented acts of violence at the Electoral Logistics Center and at the National Institute for Professional Training (INFOP), both before and during the conduct of the special tally. These incidents forced the temporary withdrawal of OAS observation teams on at least three occasions (Monday, December 15; Saturday, December 20; and Tuesday, December 23). The Mission strongly condemns these acts and calls on political groups to reflect so that such unacceptable actions are not repeated in the future. In particular, it deplores the harassment and violence directed against the women who participated as polling station officials during the special tally, in contravention of the democratic values that must prevail at all times.

The OAS/EOM has remained in Honduras since November 18, observing preparations for the election, voting day on November 30, and scrutiny activities 24 hours a day at the Electoral Logistics Center, the technology warehouse, and other spaces where counts have been conducted. During this period, the Mission's team observed internal conflicts within the plenary of the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the Electoral Justice Tribunal (TJE), a deficient regulatory framework, opposition from political and social forces, as well as limitations in technical expertise both within the electoral institutions and among the selected contractors. These shortcomings generated delays, logistical and technical problems, and even moments of institutional paralysis. Nevertheless, the OAS/EOM found no elements that would allow it to conclude that these difficulties had the purpose or effect of altering or manipulating the popular will expressed at the ballot box.

Reference: E-093/25