Americas

Representation

In the Representation category, insufficient checks on presidential power in the region weakened political pluralism and risked democratic stability. In El Salvador, the introduction of indefinite presidential re-election contributed to this decline, while the political crisis in Peru culminated in former president Dina Boluarte’s removal by Congress. In the United States, Congress’s weakened ability to check executive power was highlighted by continued strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats despite lawmakers’ oversight concerns, an issue that escalated in January with the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The record-long U.S. government shutdown further illustrates declining congressional effectiveness, while deepening gerrymandering reflected a broader deterioration in political pluralism.    

However, in a positive step for the political transition, Haiti launched a long awaited electoral calendar and adopted new electoral legislation, after having had no elected officials since January 2023. Paraguay also showed some positive developments with the introduction of reforms to the political campaign financing system that aim to improve transparency and oversight in the management of electoral funds.

Rights

Constraints on free speech and press were a recurring concern in late 2025, especially in the United States, where restrictions followed the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including through FCC threats. Journalists’ access to Pentagon reporting was also controlled, while the Trump administration’s calls to arrest Democratic party lawmakers and its executive actions on ‘domestic terrorism’ further undermined free expression. Additional setbacks emerged in Mexico, with new telecoms and intelligence legislation, and in Venezuela, with expanded surveillance.

In contrast, the region saw positive developments in Political Equality and Access to Justice. Bolivia advanced women’s political representation and girls’ rights, and Mexico adopted a significant policy to combat sexual abuse. Brazil introduced protections for migrants and asylum seekers, while Argentina took steps to improve the rights of persons with disabilities. 

Progress on accountability for historic crimes also continued. In Colombia, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace issued its first rulings, alongside high-profile convictions. Chile ordered the heirs of Augusto Pinochet to return misappropriated funds, and Uruguay secured a notable conviction for dictatorship-era crimes. However, Peru’s adoption of an amnesty bill benefiting individuals accused of human rights violations highlighted continuing obstacles to full accountability and access to justice.

Rule of Law

Negative developments in how the law is enforced and in the region’s security situation were the most notable at the end of 2025. Rising criminal violence contributed to deterioration in Personal Integrity and Security in Uruguay, where a prosecutor survived an assassination attempt. In Colombia, airstrikes on FARC dissident groups prompted human rights concerns. And in Ecuador, a wave of gang-related explosions disrupted several regions. In Brazil a police operation in two favelas became the deadliest in the country’s history, highlighting racial bias in policing.

In the United States the September assassination of Charlie Kirk further exacerbated an already volatile environment of political violence. Further, concerns grew over the politicization of the Justice Department, pressure on economic regulators, and the federal deployment and control of police and the National Guard units over local objections. 

There were, however, some improvements in Absence of Corruption, including the convictions of former leaders in Peru and Colombia on corruption-related crimes.

Participation 

The most notable developments in Participation were advances in Civic Engagement. In Peru, Paraguay, Mexico and the United States, citizens mobilized to demand government action. In Peru and Paraguay, ‘Gen-Z’ groups organized large demonstrations, a global trend for youth participation, though the excessive use of force in some cases raised concerns about protesters’ rights and safety. In the United States, the October ‘No Kings’ protest became one of the largest in the country’s history, drawing millions. 

Elections

National elections were held in six countries: Bolivia (August, with a run-off in October), Guyana (September), Jamaica (September), Argentina (October), Chile (November), and  Ecuador (November). Guyana’s leader was re-elected, and Jamaica’s ruling Labour Party also secured victory. Bolivia ended nearly 20 years of Movimiento Al Socialismo leadership, with the election of opposition candidate Rodrigo Paz, and Chile likewise elected opposition leader José Antonio Kast. In Argentina, the ruling coalition won the most seats in mid-term legislative elections. In Ecuador, voters overwhelmingly rejected President Daniel Noboa’s referendum proposals.