DILI, 24 March 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has improved its score in the Freedom in the World 2026 report while maintaining its classification as a “Free” country, according to Freedom House report.
The youngest Southeast Asian nation scored 73 out of 100, up from 72 in 2025, reflecting steady progress in democratic governance. It earned 33 out of 40 points for political rights and 40 out of 60 for civil liberties.
The country is among a group of nations that have transitioned from “Partly Free” to “Free” over the past two decades and have sustained that status, highlighting a continued trajectory of democratic consolidation.
The improvement comes against a backdrop of global democratic decline. The report notes that global freedom fell for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with more countries experiencing setbacks in political rights and civil liberties than gains. Only 21% of the world’s population now lives in countries classified as “Free,” it added.
Within Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste ranks highest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, outperforming all others in the index.
Among Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), it ranks behind only Portugal, Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The ranking underscores improvements in national indicators and the strengthening of democratic institutions, in line with constitutional principles and the priorities set out in the government’s program.
“Timor-Leste has held competitive elections and undergone peaceful transfers of power, but its democratic institutions remain fragile. Judicial independence and due process are undermined by serious capacity deficits and political influence,” according to the report.
TATOLI
