MONROVIA – Washington-based pro-democracy organization Freedom House has rated Liberia 65 percent in its 2026 Freedom in the World report, classifying the country as “Partly Free” while raising concerns over the independence of the judiciary and the administration of justice.
The annual report, which assesses political rights and civil liberties across the globe, identifies the rule of law as one of Liberia’s weakest democratic institutions, particularly highlighting concerns about judicial independence, due process, and governance transparency.
Founded in 1941, Freedom House is a Washington-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy and defending human rights worldwide. The organization conducts research, monitors threats to democracy, and publishes globally recognized reports, including Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net.
According to the 2026 report, Liberia earned an overall score of 65 percent, reflecting a political environment that remains relatively open but continues to face significant institutional challenges.
Judiciary Among Lowest-Rated Institutions
Under the report’s Rule of Law category, Liberia’s judiciary received one of its weakest assessments.
The question, “Is there an independent judiciary?”, was scored 1 out of 4 (25 percent), reflecting concerns over the courts’ independence and susceptibility to external influence.
Similarly, due process in civil and criminal matters also received 1 out of 4 (25 percent), indicating persistent concerns about fairness, consistency, and the effective administration of justice.
Protection from unlawful use of force was rated 2 out of 4 (50 percent), while equal treatment under the law also received 50 percent, suggesting continued deficiencies in ensuring equal justice for all citizens.
Strong Electoral Performance
Despite concerns surrounding the justice sector, Liberia performed considerably better in the area of political rights.
Freedom House awarded the country 100 percent (4 out of 4) for both presidential and legislative elections, recognizing Liberia’s continued conduct of generally free and fair electoral processes.
Electoral laws and their implementation received 75 percent (3 out of 4), while political participation, opposition activity, and opportunities for various groups to compete in politics generally scored between 75 and 100 percent.
Governance Still Faces Challenges
The report also highlights ongoing governance concerns.
Safeguards against corruption received 50 percent (2 out of 4), while government transparency was similarly rated at 50 percent.
However, Freedom House acknowledged recent anti-corruption efforts by the Liberian government, including the suspension of more than 450 public officials who failed to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). According to the report, those actions contributed to an improvement in Liberia’s corruption assessment.
Mixed Results on Civil Liberties
Liberia recorded mixed results across several civil liberties indicators.
Freedom of expression and media independence received 50 percent, while religious freedom and academic freedom each scored 75 percent. The ability of citizens to express political views without fear of reprisal also earned 75 percent.
Freedom of assembly and the operating environment for non-governmental organizations were likewise rated 75 percent, while trade union rights received 50 percent.
In the area of personal freedoms, freedom of movement scored 75 percent, whereas property rights, the ability to establish and operate private businesses without undue interference, personal social freedoms—including family and marriage rights—and protection from economic exploitation each received 50 percent.
Overall, Freedom House concluded that while Liberia continues to demonstrate progress by holding credible elections and maintaining a relatively open political environment, substantial reforms are still needed to strengthen judicial independence, guarantee due process, improve transparency, and reinforce the country’s democratic institutions.
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