Brunei

National elections are absent in Brunei, rendering moot assessment of electoral competition. Brunei operates under an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan holds supreme executive power.

Independent media, political leaders, civil society leaders, organizations, and members of the general public face overt and systematic retaliation if they openly criticize or challenge the regime. The regime exerts strict and near-absolute control over the media. Overbroad sedition and publications laws that carry heavy punishments encourage widespread self-censorship. The state of emergency, ongoing since 1962, grants the regime unfettered powers to suppress any form of public protests or gatherings. Religious minorities continue to face systematic discrimination and persecution, preventing them from engaging in criticism against the regime.

Institutions largely or completely fail to serve as independent checks on the regime. While there is a formal separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, they are in practice entirely subjugated to the Sultan’s control. The Sultan has absolute authority to appoint and dismiss judges. Courts also do not have the power to review legislation or executive decisions. Other institutions only maintain nominal independence.