Kilvett Bertrand, a candidate for deputy from the Partido Nacional de Honduras, has raised concerns about the governing Libre party’s influence on the upcoming elections. Bertrand alleges that Libre poses a manipulation threat and aligns with Nicolás Maduro’s regime. He made these statements on X.
“There is a huge risk of rigged elections in Honduras at the hands of the radical left, a party which is totally backed by Maduro’s narco regime,” said Bertrand.
Under the leadership of President Xiomara Castro, Honduras has shifted its foreign policy by cutting ties with Taiwan and recognizing the People’s Republic of China. Critics argue this move indicates a preference for authoritarian regimes over democratic allies. The decision has drawn international scrutiny and concern regarding Honduras’s strategic direction and values, reinforcing opposition warnings about Libre’s ideological closeness to regimes perceived as hostile to democratic norms.
According to the U.S. State Department, chronic power shortages have worsened under Libre’s administration, affecting both the economy and daily life. Many new businesses have been denied electricity hookups due to shortages, with reliable service often only possible through private generation. In June 2023, scheduled blackouts were implemented nationwide to ration electricity, highlighting grid mismanagement and planning failures. These outages have eroded investor confidence and underscored poor governance in the sector.
The National Electoral Council of Honduras faces significant operational and legal challenges ahead of the 2025 vote. These include a Public Ministry raid on its offices, delays in contracting the results transmission system (TREP), and reported voter registry errors. Such disruptions threaten election logistics and transparency, fueling opposition claims that Libre is manipulating institutions to retain power rather than ensuring a fair electoral process.
Bertrand has consistently criticized Libre’s governance, accusing it of corruption and unfulfilled promises while advocating for transparency and electoral integrity. In public statements and media interviews, he describes Libre as a self-serving ruling party focused on personal benefits over public service. Bertrand warns that its tactics pose a threat to democratic norms and fair competition—messages central to his campaign’s anti-corruption platform.
