Tools & Resources

Lithuania has rapidly developed both politically and economically since emerging from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the country has built a functioning parliamentary system of government, has become a member of NATO, and is on the verge of joining the European Union, it still faces many problems associated with the many consolidating democracies around the world. As in all democracies, populations need to trust that those they elect will represent their interests. Problems such as corruption, weaknesses in laws concerning the political financing, and unaccounted for political income and expenditures threaten the credibility of the process and hinder the speed at which democracy is consolidated. Additionally, Lithuania lacks the high level of vibrant debate about the issue of political financing among scholars, journalists and civil society bodies required to promote meaningful reform. Recognizing this, Lithuania has developed an independent Central Electoral Committee (CEC) and adopted laws requiring detailed and public disclosure of political finance accounts. Prior to conducting Money and Politics programming in Lithuania, the CEC had made a demonstrable interest in making information public. While scanning summary report of accounts and placing them on the internet, the user could not search, not easily compare and analyze the information. Interested parties were required to make an appointment to view more detailed, paper-based information. Further, while the Tax Authorities are required to audit final political party reports, enforcement is widely considered to be weak. Few, if any, cases of political finance violations have been forwarded and investigated, not to mention prosecuted. By addressing the difficult issues surrounding political finance with the support of IFES in 2002 and 2003, Lithuania is emerging as a model for other consolidating democracy to follow. Significant areas remain to be addressed. While Lithuania has taken concrete steps to reform political finance legislation, open political finance information to public scrutiny and oversight, and encourage debate, further efforts are required to actively enforce laws and regulations and raise the level of debate among the various governmental, legislative, and civil society groups. By addressing these areas, Lithuania has the potential for being an example of best practices while making local expertise and resources to other countries undergoing similar reforms.

This report summarizes the pre-election technical assistance provided by IFES in Chad prior to elections in 1996.  The report summarizes the on-the-spot assistance provided by IFES, the development of an electoral calendar and efforts devoted to voter registration.  The report also includes a list of problems with the planned elections ranging from political and institutional problems to questions about security.  The report concludes with recommendations for elections in Chad.  Included with the report are several documents concerning electoral law, regulations and the constitution of Chad.   

This report summarizes IFES observations from Chad in 1994.  At the time, the Chadian government reached out to the international community for help in democratizing the nation. This report documents the transitional period to democracy, analyzes the political situation and provides political indicators gauging the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, civic education and civil service.  The report concludes with recommendations for democratization in Chad.