March 17, 2025 – In its latest investigation, the Impunity Observer explores the systemic practice of electoral bribery and its evolution in Honduras. The report has exclusive insights from Honduran author and policy analyst Cesar Indiano and examines potential solutions to improve transparency, while acknowledging that structural issues make the nation ripe for electoral chicanery.
Key Findings
- In the 2021 election, civil-society organizations documented cases of political parties and candidates buying votes from citizens in the primary and general elections. Ahead of the 2025 primaries, media outlets have emphasized voter awareness and the legal penalties for vote buying and other forms of electoral fraud.
- Despite the implementation of measures like a dedicated bank account and financial reports, compliance remains weak at best. Less than 25 percent of the candidates for the 2025 primaries had opened the required bank account by election day. The financial surveillance unit of the electoral authority faces difficulties in tracking sanctioned candidates and verifying their campaign finances due to a limited staff and budget.
- Indiano believes direct vote buying is becoming less common as surveillance increases and citizens become aware of the legal consequences. Indiano warns, though, that other risks have emerged. These include campaign financing by organized crime and manipulation after the vote.
About the Impunity Observer
The Impunity Observer is a geopolitical intelligence service that connects the Americas. With rigorous investigations and policy research, the subscriber-supported outlet fosters the rule of law and economic development.
Review the full article here (in English and Spanish).
For press inquiries, contact: Joselyn Sánchez, communications intern, jsanchez@impunityobserver.com.
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