Honduras and the Democratic Mirage: A Reading from the Perspective of Political Elitism

Abstract

This article analyzes the democratic decline in Honduras from an elitist perspective, arguing that the political élites have emptied democracy of its substantive content. Drawing on the approaches of Held and O’Donnell, it shows how delegative democracy has weakened institutional oversight and citizen representation. Growing distrust and social disaffection pave the way for authoritarian tendencies. It concludes that only by reforming the role of the élites and strengthening accountability can democratic legitimacy be restored.