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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
Book
Information on Registering as a Political Party (March 2002) - UK
Handbook for political parties published
by the Electoral Commission of the UK.
by the Electoral Commission of the UK.
February 28, 2002
Publication
Book
Donations: Explanatory Notes for Registered Political Parties - UK
Campaign finance guidance for political
parties published by the Registration and Compliance Team of the Electoral
Commission of the UK
parties published by the Registration and Compliance Team of the Electoral
Commission of the UK
March 01, 2001
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Representation of the People Act 2000
Representation of the People Act 2000
Publication
Report/Paper
Cambodia Electoral Assistance Project 1996-98 Final Report
This report discusses IFES’ efforts working with the Cambodian Government to strengthen and improve the electoral framework in preparation for the July 1998 parliamentary elections. IFES provided on-site technical expertise and drafted election laws and regulations, prepared an election calendar and budget, designed a voter registration system, initiated recruiting and training programs for election officials and pollworkers and procured and distributed election supplies and equipment.
November 24, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
AAEA Observation Mission Report: Cambodian Elections, July 1998
This report summarizes IFES findings from the July 1998 Cambodian elections. The report provides a background of IFES activities in Cambodia, and, more prudently, IFES’ objective to strengthen the electoral process in Cambodia through objective observation and reporting on the election. The report concludes with recommendations for future elections in Cambodia.
July 31, 1998
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Northern Ireland (Elections) Act 1998
Northern Ireland (Elections) Act 1998
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Resolution of The Statute of The National Electoral Commission
Resolution of The Statute of The National Electoral Commission
Election Material
Civic Education Material
District Council Elections 7 May 1998
This document is a strip of election buttons related to the May 7, 1998 district council elections in the United Kingdom.