Defend Democracy in Honduras: Join the 2025 Election Observation Mission
On November 30, 2025, Hondurans will head to the polls to elect a new President, Congress, and municipal authorities. These are the first Central American elections of the Trump 2.0 era, and the stakes could not be higher in such a small region where the U.S. has tremendous influence.
The sweeping attack on democratic institutions that we are experiencing in the United States since Donald Trump returned to power is not confined to our borders. Hondurans are acutely aware that the authoritarian winds blowing from Washington are stirring their political climate, and not for the better. In the lead-up to the 2025 elections, Honduras faces a volatile mix of dangers: fragile institutions vulnerable to manipulation, narco-money and corruption shaping campaigns, and the ever-present risk of electoral violence and political intimidation. At the same time, U.S. right-wing politicians are openly meddling in Honduran affairs, comparing the country to Venezuela or Cuba to justify interference. Today, U.S. leaders are not even pretending to defend democracy or human rights—they are openly hostile to them.
The political climate in Honduras is polarized, institutions are fragile, and malign forces—both at home and in Washington—are maneuvering to undermine free choice. For Honduran social movements, this election is not just about politics; it is about survival and the future of democracy itself.
The Democratic Struggle in Honduras
Honduras has endured a long history of U.S. interference and dictatorship. For much of the 20th century, the country was ruled by oligarchic regimes propped up by Washington. In 2009, a U.S.-sanctioned military coup shattered democratic institutions and was shamefully whitewashed by the Obama White House.
Our partner, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CESPAD), was born in the enduring spirit of democratic struggle forged out of that crisis. Since then, CESPAD has been on the frontlines of defending democracy, documenting abuses, and pressing for reforms.
Four years ago, CESPAD invited Global Exchange to help organize the international aspect of their civic observation of a critical “return to democracy” election. In that contest, the ruling party of Juan Orlando Hernández—widely considered the last of the “golpista” presidents—was soundly defeated. Soon afterward, Hernández himself was charged with narco-trafficking and extradited to the United States.
This year, Global Exchange is again joining with CESPAD, the Honduras Solidarity Network (HSN), and partners across Central America, Mexico, and Colombia to organize international election observations.
Why International Observation Matters
Election observation is not about endorsing candidates. It is about protecting the right of Hondurans to choose their own future free from intimidation, fraud, or foreign intervention. Observers help deter abuses, reduce violence, and shine a light on irregularities that might otherwise be hidden. Just as importantly, they stand shoulder to shoulder with Honduran movements risking everything to defend democracy.
Global Exchange’s role is rooted in solidarity, not foreign interests. We do not accept U.S. government funding. Together with CESPAD, HSN, and our regional allies, we are building a multinational observation mission grounded in people-to-people solidarity and a shared determination to protect democratic space.
Be Part of the Mission
Global Exchange, CESPAD and the HSN are organizing an international delegation to join our Honduran partners in observing this historic election.
Dates in country: November 27 – December 2, 2025
- Arrive: November 27
- Trainings: November 28–29
- Election Day: November 30
- Debrief: December 1
- Depart: December 2
Application deadline: Please submit your application by September 26. We recognize that is a short turnaround time, but we want to give accepted applicants plenty of time to buy plane tickets and make other travel arrangements. We will do our best to confirm on-time applications the following week.
Spots are limited, and funding support is available based on applicants’ skills, experience, and contributions to the mission. We are offering three levels of participation:
- Full scholarshipscovering all participation costs, including food, lodging, and local transport (limited availability).
- Partial scholarshipscovering food, lodging, and local transport.
- Self-funded participationfor those able to cover their own costs.
to apply click here
