CRISIS in HONDURAS

A few months ago, President Mel Zelaya whose term end this year, decreed a poll over the question whether there should be a fourth issue in the elections of November. In November new president will be elected (presidents here can serve only one term), new members of the legislature, and new mayors and municipal officials. The fourth ballot issue (la quarta urna – the fourth ballot box) would be over whether there should be a constituent assembly to revise or rewrite the constitution.

Almost immediately the fur began to fly. Some questioned whether this was legal; there is a provision in the Honduran constitution to hold polls and public referendums, but the legislature has not set up a procedure to do this. Some questioned whether this was needed since there is provision in the constitution for amendments. Some thought this was an attempt of the president to try to stay in power for four more years.

The idea of consultation of the public seems like a good idea – and the Honduran bishops in a recent statement affirmed this. But many questions remain: Is this legal? If passed, who would make up the constituent assembly? Would this really benefit the poor? What would this assembly mean and what would it do? What is the purpose of all this? Is this a ploy of the president to stay in power? Ambiguity reigns!

I have heard all sorts of responses. Last Sunday a priest I know who is very committed to the poor preached about the need to vote yes this coming Sunday. Another priest I know is bitterly against it. The Honduran bishops released a diplomatic message which seems to lean against the ballot initiative, though they affirm the need for consultation of the people. They are concerned about what they call attempts to impose “un pensamiento único” – “a single way of thinking” – or “the power of a determined group.” They also express concern about the possible illegality of the ballot initiative.

A priest I know is very concerned and considers this one of the worst days Honduras has experienced. When I asked him why, he replied that the three branches of he government are in serious conflict. (What I learned later is that the military is also in a precarious situation.)

There are all sorts of rumors going around. The president, some say, is getting money from Hugo Chavez of Venezuela to take control of the country. Many have talked about the efforts to make public workers seek signatures for petitions in favor of the ballot.

Earlier this week the congress passed a law that virtually declares illegal the attempt to hold the ballot this coming Sunday. They declared illegal referendums or plebiscites within 180 days of a general election.

Wednesday night the president fired the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for not supporting his position. The Minister of Defense and several military leaders have resigned.

Thursday the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. President Zelaya defiantly refused.

For a few weeks people have been fearing a coup d’etat, a golpe de estado, in which the president is overthrown. Others fear an auto-golpe in which the president will take power. With the changes in the military, who knows what this will mean?

What do I think?

As an outsider what strikes me first is the real need in this country for a democracy in which the people can participate and make a difference. I see so many who have lost faith in the political system, most of all because of the corruption. Some small local efforts, like those that Caritas is working on, show small signs of hope. But much more is needed.

Another concern is the lack of transparency. What does the president really want to do? What do those in opposition really want? (This is complicated since people change their stated positions, seemingly at random.) Even if there is a constitutional assembly, will it be composed of the same people now in power (politically and economically) and thus just entrench them in power?

There is so much corruption and a history of self-serving politicians that there needs to be a major effort to re-establish trust - first of all, by a determined effort to eradicate corruption.

Honduras is in a crisis situation. Poverty abounds and millions are spent in support of a ballot box initiative. Medicine and medical supplies are unavailable for many rural people, while politicians play games with the people. A coup d'etat might be upon us. But does the world know - or care?

What can be done?

• Pray.
• Watch for news on Honduras and the situation here.
• Seek solidarity for the poor, helping them with projects that change their lives. (More on this is a later post.)
• Work to change national and international political and economic policies that favor the super-wealthy and those in power whose only purpose is to enrich themselves and their corporations.
• Support those persons, organizations, and corporations that really have the needs of the poor at the center of their concerns.
• Become people of justice, love,and solidarity.
• And, again, keep us in your prayers.