Democracy in Peril: Chairwoman Salazar Highlights Urgent Threats to Honduras Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) led the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere in a public hearing revealing alarming threats to Honduras’s democracy, then held a press conference to warn that the nation’s upcoming elections are in jeopardy unless strong safeguards are enforced.

“Honduras must hold free, fair, and transparent elections. No intimidation, no colectivos, no stolen actas, and no foreign interference," said Chairwoman Salazar. "The voters of Honduras are at a crossroads. All I am saying is do not elect a communist. The eye of the United States is upon Honduras this November 30th.”

During the hearing, Members heard testimony from Hon. Carlos Trujillo, former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS); Deborah Ullmer, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the National Democratic Institute (NDI); and Enrique Roig, Vice President of External Affairs at Human Rights First. 
The witnesses detailed mounting concerns over political interference, weakened democratic institutions, corruption, and external authoritarian influence, factors that could severely undermine the credibility of the country’s upcoming elections.

Chairwoman Salazar stressed that the United States must not remain silent as Honduras approaches a critical vote under growing pressure from anti-democratic forces. 
She emphasized that the integrity of these elections will shape the future of governance, stability, and security across Central America.

Post-Hearing Press Conference

Following the hearing, Chairwoman Salazar addressed the press, stating plainly that the Honduran government is actively dismantling democratic institutions, copying the authoritarian model of Cuba and Venezuela and pushing the country toward potentially fraudulent election.

She reaffirmed that Congress stands firmly with the Honduran people in their fight for a free and fair vote.

Chairwoman Salazar committed the Subcommittee to closely monitoring developments as Honduras moves toward its upcoming elections and pledged to pursue the diplomatic and legislative tools necessary to protect democratic institutions throughout the Western Hemisphere.

A recording of today’s hearing can be found here.