Former TSE magistrate warns that the TREP does not guarantee transparency in elections

Former magistrate of the defunct Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Denis Gómez, stated this Sunday that the Preliminary Electoral Results Transmission System (TREP) does not guarantee the transparency or integrity of an electoral process.

“Using a TREP for municipal and provincial elections is a whim and not an indicator of a transparent election,” argued Gómez.

He stressed that although the implementation of biometrics and the TREP represents progress, the process still faces weaknesses, especially in telephone coverage.

He also stressed the need to implement the Electoral Procedure Law so that next year’s internal elections do not repeat the deficiencies in the rules observed in 2021.

Gomez also mentioned the importance of designing and implementing proper data engineering to minimize recurring complaints.

CNE approved the use of TREP in primary and general elections

 In order to strengthen confidence in the democratic system,  the  National Electoral Council (CNE) of Honduras unanimously approved  on September 20, 2024 a series of anti-fraud mechanisms for the primary and general elections of 2025.

 The proposal, led by Councilman  Marlon Ochoa , includes measures that seek to avoid irregularities and ensure that each citizen casts their vote legitimately.

Among the approved initiatives is the use of a biometric reader that will allow the  Voting Boards (JRV)  to verify whether a voter has already cast his or her vote.

This system seeks to prevent a person from voting more than once or for different parties, guaranteeing that each vote is unique and legitimate.

In addition, the CNE determined that the number of voters registered in the biometric system will be the maximum allowed to be recorded in the closing minutes of each electoral center, which ensures an accurate and reliable count of the votes cast.