Honduras is conducting primaries for major political party nominations ahead of the general election in November. President Xiomara Castro’s governance faces scrutiny, especially regarding ties with the U.S. Candidates include her defense minister and former first lady, while voting issues are leading to public distrust. With low voter participation historically, upcoming proposals on security and economic stability are crucial.

Honduras is holding primaries on Sunday, where voters will select candidates from the three major political parties for the upcoming November general elections. The political climate remains polarized, with many citizens expressing skepticism towards leaders who have not successfully addressed issues related to security and economic stability. President Xiomara Castro, the first female president representing the leftist LIBRE party, is facing challenges in her relationship with the United States, especially following her controversial remarks about U.S. military access and extradition treaty discussions.

The candidates vying for nominations include Castro’s defense minister, Rixi Moncada, who enjoys the president’s support but faces criticism for not resigning her military role while campaigning. Former first lady Ana García seeks to reinvigorate her husband’s party. In contrast, her husband, ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández, is currently imprisoned in the United States for drug trafficking. García’s campaign slogan includes an audio clip from her husband: “a vote for Ana is a vote for me, a vote for a better life.”

On the conservative front, the Liberal Party of Honduras presents a competition between two former allies of Castro. Salvador Nasralla, previously the vice president, claims to have been marginalized, while lawyer Jorge Cálix departed LIBRE due to a lack of support from Castro. Both candidates are seeking to address the political dissatisfaction through their approaches inspired by successful leaders in the region. A total of ten candidates are competing in the primaries, with additional smaller parties holding their own candidate selection processes.

Polling centers opened to long lines on Sunday, though some remained closed due to insufficient electoral materials. This issue has fueled distrust among voters; one voter expressed discontent over their rights being violated, while another criticized the National Electoral Council’s transparency. “I think that this leaves a lot to be desired… people are already starting to doubt that the elections will be transparent,” noted Vizmar Zepeda, a journalist.

Participation in the primaries has typically been low due to fears surrounding political affiliation impacting employment opportunities. Political analyst Miguel Cálix indicated that the primaries have been historically problematic. Voters are calling for clear proposals on key issues such as security, jobs, corruption, and healthcare, amid rising violence and unemployment, which drive many to seek opportunities abroad.

Political analyst Luis León emphasized the importance of these primaries, asserting that they are as vital as the general elections. He noted, “Three candidates for the presidency will come out of them and one of them has the potential to be president.” Consequently, the significance of presenting the best candidates could dictate the future path of Honduras.

The upcoming primaries in Honduras highlight the deep political divides and ongoing frustrations over security and economic issues. While candidates from various parties vie for nomination, voter skepticism and calls for transparency underscore the urgent need for effective governance. The manner in which these primaries are conducted could significantly influence the general elections in November, as the decisions made now may shape the future of the nation.

Original Source: www.news4jax.com

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