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Lithuania: Money and Politics Case Study
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.
December 31, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Strengthening the Local Electoral Process December 2002 Local Elections. IFES Final Report
This report summarizes IFES involvement in Benin’s 2002 local elections. The 2002 elections served as a precursor to the 2003 legislative and 2006 presidential elections. The report discusses IFES’ implementation of a two-phase voter education campaign attempting to bolster transparency and voter confidence throughout Benin. The report details IFES coordination with local NGOs, Media outlets and the decentralization process in Benin. The report concludes with recommendations for future election.
December 31, 2002
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Be an Active Citizen Newsletter: Inter-Regional Volunteer Action Day Global Youth Service Day
This December 2002 edition of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Civic Education Program newsletter focuses on the Global Youth Service Day in Georgia. The day, established in 2001 by IFES, celebrates young peoples’ civic participation and social capital development in Georgia.
Publication
Report/Paper
Annex to IFES, Republic of Kazakhstan, Final Project Report July 1, 1997 - December 31, 2001, Civic Education Textbook, Civic Education: Basic Course 1st Edition (1999)
November 30, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Republic of Uzbekistan, Final Project Report: October 1, 1997-September 30, 2002
This report summarizes IFES’ technical election assistance and civil society projects in Uzbekistan. The report provides a critical and objective analysis of the electoral code with respect to international standards and offers recommendations for possible improvements in the electoral code.
November 30, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Serbia, FRY Final Report: October 1999-September 30, 2002
IFES conducted election-related activities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 2000-2002. This report summarizes the various activities IFES undertook to pave the way for more intense involvement in a reformed and more democratic election system in Serbia. The report discusses a range of IFES activities including pre-election assessments, observation training and redistricting.
November 30, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Annex to Final Project Report, Republic of Tajikistan, October 1, 1997 - September 30, 2002: Comprehensive Proposal for Electronic Voter Registration (1998-1999)
This report summarizes IFES efforts to establish a comprehensive proposal for electronic voter registration in Tajikistan. The report details several missions to the country and the methods used to complete a computer network system for future elections.
November 30, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Annex to Final Project Report, Republic of Tajikistan, October 1, 1997 - September 30, 2002: Manual for Election Observers (2000)
November 30, 2002