Gabon is among a select group of nations recognized in the 2026 report by the Swedish institute Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) for its positive democratic trajectory. While numerous African states are experiencing a decline in democratic indicators, Gabon stands out as a compelling example of progress, particularly following the restoration of constitutional order after its Transition period and in anticipation of the 2025 elections.

The nation of Gabon has received an encouraging endorsement regarding its democratic governance. In its June 2026 publication, the Swedish institute Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), a globally respected authority in assessing political systems, has removed Gabon from its roster of countries experiencing democratic backsliding. Instead, the institute now places Gabon among the positive democratic evolutions observed worldwide.

V-Dem’s data indicates that Gabon currently ranks 114th out of 179 countries evaluated. While this position suggests significant challenges still lie ahead, it undeniably marks a departure from trends witnessed in recent years, when Gabon was frequently associated with states showing deteriorating democratic indicators.

V-Dem highlights the upcoming 2025 elections

The report attributes this positive shift to the institutional reforms implemented following the Transition period, particularly emphasizing the organization of the 2025 general elections and the country’s return to civilian rule. For V-Dem, these developments position Gabon among the few nations demonstrating a clear dynamic of democratic progression. The report also cites Lebanon, Mauritius, and South Korea as other examples of positive international developments.

This favorable assessment emerges at a time when, according to V-Dem, several sub-Saharan African countries continue to experience a decline in their democratic indicators.

While this evolution is certainly an encouraging sign, it does not imply that Gabon now ranks among the world’s most robust democracies. Holding the 114th global position, the nation still faces substantial hurdles concerning governance, institutional strengthening, citizen participation, and the reinforcement of the rule of law.

Indeed, the report underscores that democratic progress remains reversible, noting that several countries that had previously shown improvement later experienced setbacks. In this context, the positive change observed by V-Dem should be viewed more as a crucial step forward rather than a definitive achievement.

An indicator keenly observed by international partners

V-Dem’s research is widely consulted by academics, international organizations, financial backers, and diplomatic missions globally to monitor the evolution of political systems.

For Gabon, this positive development could enhance its standing among international partners, especially as authorities have expressed a firm commitment to continuing the institutional reforms initiated since the political Transition began on August 30, 2023.

The challenge now lies in transforming this momentum, championed by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, into enduring advancements. This will ensure that future international evaluations consistently affirm Gabon’s path toward solidifying its democratic foundations.