February 19, 2026
How Hondurans Live Out The Joy of Democratic Participation
By Ernesto Cortés
In the months leading up to the presidential election in Honduras, there was an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty. The media frequently broadcast news stories that suggested public institutions were being exploited for partisan purposes. There was strong polarization between political parties, fake news, attacks and hate speech against candidates. In this context of democratic crisis, I signed up to be an observer with the Network for the Defense of Democracy (RDD)—a civil society alliance led by ASJ—because I believed that only by participating actively and consciously could I contribute to building a more just society for all Hondurans.
On election day (November 30), I got up at 5:00 a.m. to go to the Olympic Village sports complex in the capital city, Tegucigalpa, where I would be an electoral observer. I must confess that the context had predisposed me to expect a negative day, full of chaos and conflict. However, it was quite the opposite. From early in the morning, people came to cast their votes. Even with minor delays at the beginning due to technical problems, the day proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner. I saw elderly people, families, and young people waiting patiently for their turn to vote. What I thought would be a bad experience turned into a demonstration of patriotism and civic fervor.
At the end of the day, during the vote count, order and mutual respect were once again evident. The members of the polling stations correctly followed the protocol established by the National Electoral Council (CNE). The national and international observers present at the voting center agreed that everything was done with transparency and that there were no signs of fraud. Although I may not be personally satisfied with the results of the election, I have learned a life lesson. Hondurans—even amid crisis and uncertainty—chose peaceful participation because we believe that voting is the only legitimate way to decide on a better future for all. The authorities elected for the 2026-2030 term have structural challenges to face and will only be able to achieve success if they work hand in hand with the different sectors of Honduran society.
I would like to close this reflection by inviting you to promote and celebrate democracy in your own spaces and communities in the US as a way to exercise and value your civic rights. And finally, I also want to reiterate that your commitment and continued support for ASJ are essential to ensuring that the work we do continues to significantly contribute to the benefit of those who are most vulnerable in Honduras.
Ernesto Cortés shows his ink-stained pinky, a mark received by Honduran citizens after they vote.
Ernesto has been part of the ASJ team for over 3 years now. He currently serves as a junior researcher for the ASJ think tank, the Justice Institute. He also leads the ASJ-Honduras internship program with enthusiasm and dedication.
You can learn more about the ASJ Justice Institute through:
READ MORE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE OF JUSTICIA
A Welcome Message
Read MoreWords from the Executive Director
In November, I had the privilege to travel with ASJ supporters from the US and Canada to Tegucigalpa as a team of international election observers. The experience was profound. I’ve been sharing about it with anyone who will listen ever since. One of the most common questions I get is, “Were the results legitimate?” After I answer with
an emphatic, “Yes!”, there is the inevitable follow-up, “How do you know?”
It’s a good question. And I have a good answer.
An International Observer's Experience
Read MoreA Reflection from ASJ-Canada Board President, Matt Van Geest.
Canadians went to the polls in 2025 in an election that, for most of us, was over in the time it takes to grab a coffee. For me, I showed my ID, marked my ballot in private, dropped it in the box, and headed home, all within 5 minutes. Results arrived before bedtime. Democracy in Canada has always felt, to me, efficient, orderly, and secure. In late November, I was in Honduras as part of an international delegation observing that country’s national elections. The contrast was striking, and instructive. If you want to understand the fragility of democracy, sometimes you need to leave home.
A New Beginning for Education
Read MoreA Spotlight on Our Dedicated Volunteers.
The first week of February is when, ideally, Honduran schools should welcome students to the classrooms. However, this has only happened a handful of times. Honduran law also requires schools to provide at least 200 days of classroom instruction. This has also only happened a handful of times.
