Juan Diego Zelaya Warns: The Venezuela Plan for Honduras Is Real. Our Democracy Is at Stake

Tegucigalpa, Honduras - Honduran political leader Juan Diego Zelaya has issued a stark warning about growing threats to the integrity of the upcoming November 30 national elections.

Zelaya says there are clear signs that the ruling LIBRE Party, led by former president Manuel “Mel” Zelaya, is pursuing a coordinated effort to remain in power through manipulation, intimidation, and potential electoral fraud.

“The Venezuela Plan for Honduras is real. The threat to our democracy is real,” Zelaya declared.

Mounting Warning Signs

Recent national polls show LIBRE’s presidential candidate Rixi Moncada trailing behind opposition contenders Nasry Asfura (National Party) and Salvador Nasralla (Liberal Party). At the same time, the ruling party is facing a series of controversies, including:

• Reports linking LIBRE officials to Venezuelan narco-trafficking networks.
  
   
• The involvement of foreign political advisors allegedly tied to the Maduro regime.
  
   
• Serious irregularities during the March 2025 primary elections.
  
   

During those primaries, multiple polling stations were reportedly shut down due to “missing materials.” In some municipalities, only 10 out of 152 voting centers received ballots on election day. Witnesses also claim that LIBRE representatives arrived carrying suitcases filled with pre-marked ballots.

The Electoral Justice Tribunal has since reported cases of pressure and intimidation directed at election officials by LIBRE operatives.

Disinformation and Deepfakes Enter the Picture

Another concern emerged when Cosette López, commissioner of the National Electoral Council, revealed that no contracts had been awarded for key electoral infrastructure, leaving the system vulnerable.

Shortly afterward, an audio recording appeared online, supposedly capturing López conspiring with an opposition leader to rig the vote. Independent analysis later confirmed that the recording was digitally altered using AI tools.

Despite this, LIBRE’s attorney general publicly broadcast the fake audio without verifying its authenticity or legality.

“Mel Zelaya and his allies want to stay in power by force, by manipulating institutions and crushing the people’s will,” said Juan Diego Zelaya.

A Struggle Between Democracy and Control

According to Zelaya, the pattern is unmistakable: create chaos, undermine trust in the process, and then manipulate the outcome, a strategy that mirrors Nicolás Maduro’s playbook in Venezuela.

“What happened in Venezuela is beginning to happen here,” Zelaya warned.

A Call for Massive Voter Mobilization

Zelaya insists that the Honduran people have the ultimate power to stop an electoral takeover.

“There’s one thing they can’t control: your vote. That’s why, on November 30, we must turn out in massive numbers, and defend that vote until the end.”

This election is described as more than just a political contest, it represents a fight for the nation’s future.

“Because without democracy, there is no change, no freedom, and no future.”

Zelaya urges citizens, election observers, civil society groups, and the international community to demand transparency and vigilance throughout the process.

Official Call to Citizens

Juan Diego Zelaya is calling on every Honduran to:

• Vote on November 30.
  
   
• Document any irregularities with photos or videos.
  
   
• Remain peacefully at polling centers until every vote is counted.
  
   

“Honduras deserves free and fair elections, nothing less.”