The National Party of Honduras is a political party in Honduras founded on February 27, 1902, by Manuel Bonilla Chirinos. Historically it has been one of the two most influential parties in the country. The party's platform is based on Christian humanist doctrine, and its five main principles are common wealth, dignity of the human person, equality, solidarity and subsidiarity. Since the foundation of the National Party, Honduras has had 13 Nationalist presidents. Manuel Bonilla was the first, and the most recent is the current president, Juan Orlando Hernández. In the 2013 election the National Party obtained the largest number of seats in Congress and municipalities.
History
The ideology of the party can be traced back to national hero Jose Trinidad Cabañas's principles and thinking. Cabañas believed in a strong sense of patriotism, and that national interest was over any other interest. Moreover, in the late 1800s, actors such as Ponciano Leiva and Luis Bogran made efforts to conform an institution which reflected their ideology. The Progressive Party, led by Ponciano Leiva, joined forces by a movement led by General Manuel Bonilla. On 27 February 1902, in Tegucigalpa, both parties united to form the National Convention, backed by 40,000 signatures from supporters. That event was the birth of the National Party of Honduras.
Symbols
Seal
Fraternity, equality and justice are reflected in the official seal. Holding arms represent fraternity among Honduran citizens. The weighting scale represents equality between men and women. The burning torch shines defending those in need. The seal also states the party's motto: Social Justice with Liberty and Democracy.
Highlighted presidencies
Ricardo Maduro Joest: During his presidency, Maduro was able to negotiate successfully the full condonance of the nation's external debt. In addition, Maduro was able to implement successful policies in matters of fiscal order and against violence.
Juan Manuel Gálvez: Galvez promoted modernizing the state. He structured effectively government dependencies through massive construction projects. He was able to conduct a massive road project throughout the country. Moreover, he created the Honduras Central Bank, which made the Lempira Honduras's official currency.
Tiburcio Carías Andino: During his administration, he took strict measures in order to guarantee stability and harmony amongst society. He was also able to achieve economic stability and an efficient working relationship with private enterprise. Honduras National Stadium is named after him.
Organic structure
National Convention: Made up from Municipal, State, Regional and national authorities.
Permanent Commission: Permanent members of the National Convention
National Committee: Political Commission, Justice Party, Financial and Budget Administration, Political and Ideological Formation
State Committee: Conformed by the authorities of each of the 18 departments in Honduras
Local Committee: Counts with Municipal Representation
Mission
"We are a democratic political organization with transforming leaders and a modern ideological agenda, linked with all social sectors in order to generate growth and the well being of all Hondurans."
Vision
"We are a majority political party; we are inclusive and Christian Humanist, with ethic leadership which promotes changes in order to transform the country with democracy, liberty and equal opportunities"
The National Party has been involved in the last few years on several issues of corruption. In 2015, it was discovered that the National Party was using money from the Honduran Social Security in order to finance the campaign of President Juan Orlando Hernandez through an elaborate scheme of companies redirecting Social Security funds to the party. After the scheme was discovered, the President said the money should be returned by the party. Former President Porfirio Lobo was accused in March 2017 by the New York's DA office for helping protect drug organizations.
