Honduras extends state of emergency weeks before pivotal elections: Video
Honduras has extended its state of emergency once again, prolonging a policy first enacted in December 2022 to curb gang violence and widespread extortion.
The new 45-day extension, announced this week, will keep the measure in force across 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities.
Police officers continued security operations on public transport in Tegucigalpa on Thursday, November 13, even as campaign materials from presidential contenders filled the capital ahead of the 30 November 2025 elections. The timing of the renewed emergency decree has sparked criticism, with residents arguing that it restricts constitutional freedoms, including movement, assembly, and association, at a crucial moment in the electoral calendar.
“People won’t be able to go out and protest or anything. They won’t be able to do many things at night. It benefits them, not us,” said merchant César Molina, reflecting widespread unease among voters. Others voiced deeper distrust of the authorities. “Security in this country is useless because they are the ones playing tricks. That’s why we are the way we are,” said taxi driver César García.
The government defends the extension, pointing to reductions in crime as evidence that the security strategy is working. For its part, the National Electoral Council (CNE), the body responsible for overseeing and ensuring the transparency of Honduran elections, insists it is guaranteeing a fair process in the upcoming vote.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
