Politics

The politics of Honduras takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Honduras is both head of state and head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Congress of Honduras. The party system is dominated by the conservative National Party of Honduras and the Liberal Party of Honduras. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Constitution

The 1987 constitution of Honduras provides for a strong executive, a unicameral National Congress, and a judiciary appointed by the National Congress. Reinforced by the media and several political watchdog organisations, human rights and civil liberties are reasonably well protected. There are no known political prisoners in Honduras and the privately owned media frequently exercises its right to criticise without fear of reprisals. Organised labour now represents less than 15% of the work force and its economic and political influence has declined.

Executive Branch

The president is both the chief of state and head of government and is elected by popular vote for a four-year term.

Legislative Branch

The National Congress of Honduras (Congreso Nacional) has 128 members (diputados), elected for four year term by proportional representation; congressional seats are assigned the parties' candidates on a departmental basis in proportion to the number of votes each party receives.

Judicial Branch

The judiciary includes a Supreme Court of Justice, courts of appeal, and several courts of original jurisdiction - such as labour, tax and criminal courts. The judges of the Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia, are elected for four-year terms by the National Congress.