This Sunday, primary and internal elections took place in Honduras, with the participation of the three main political parties. However, the process was marked by voter discontent due to irregularities in the delivery of electoral materials at several polling stations, with delays of more than twelve hours in some cases.
From early on, long lines and scenes of frustration were reported at various polling stations, where citizens expressed their outrage at the delay in the delivery of electoral kits or the absence of representatives from political parties at the receiving tables. Complaints spread on social media, with photos and videos showing empty polling stations or staff waiting for the electoral materials.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) admitted to the failures in the distribution of electoral kits in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, despite reporting that all materials had been dispatched. The head of the CNE, Cossette López, mentioned that some ballot boxes were missing and committed to searching for them, emphasizing that they are focused on finding solutions and avoiding misinformation.
Despite the efforts of the CNE, voter discontent persisted, especially in Tegucigalpa, where hundreds of people protested for not receiving the necessary materials to vote even after 4:00 PM local time. In light of the incidents, the voting hours in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula were extended by four hours.
Opposition leaders blamed the Armed Forces and the Minister of Defense, Rixi Moncada, who is also a presidential candidate, for the incidents. Accusations of boycott and allegations of irregularities marked the electoral day, with calls for a thorough investigation to determine responsibilities and ensure the voting rights of Hondurans.
More than 5.8 million Hondurans participated in these elections, in a process leading up to the general elections on November 30, where the successor to the current president, Xiomara Castro, will be elected. The competing parties are Libre, Nacional, and Liberal, and despite the difficulties, it is hoped that the electoral process will advance with the aim of ensuring the democratic participation of the citizenry.
