People in Baucau, Timor Leste. Editorial credit: Juan Alberto Casado / Shutterstock.com

Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste has held competitive elections and undergone peaceful transfers of power, but its democratic institutions remain fragile, and disputes among the major personalities from the independence struggle dominate political affairs. Judicial independence and due process are undermined by serious capacity deficits and political influence.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Timor-Leste Country Report

Timor-Leste is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.