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Interview/Speech/Testimony
Skye Christensen On U.S. Election Day, A Look At How Others Vote
While voters withstand long lines and the elements to cast their ballot, Skye Christensen of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, a nonprofit group that helps countries run democratic elections, talks about how other countries run their elections.
Publication
Report/Paper
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
Gabon Pre-Election Technical Assessment, October 8 - 25, 1998
This report summarizes IFES findings from the December 1998 presidential election in Gabon. The report discusses the national election committee, poll worker training, media and elections and lastly, civic education.
February 28, 1999
Publication
Report/Paper
Evaluation Technique Pre-Electorale au Gabon du 8 au 25 Octobre 1998
This report summarizes IFES findings from the December 1998 presidential election in Gabon. The report discusses the national election committee, poll worker training, media and elections and lastly, civic education.
February 28, 1999
Publication
Report/Paper
The Gambia: Pre-Election Assessment 1996, Final Report
This report summarizes a pre-election assessment from The Gambia in 1996. The report discusses various topics in The Gambia, including human rights, civic education, political parties, the media and The Gambia’s election commission. The report discusses the challenges faced by various election teams (IFES, NDI) in The Gambia.
August 31, 1996
Election Material
Constitution
A Draft of A Constitution for The Second Republic of The Gambia
Draft Constitution for the Second Republic of The Gambia, as established in the aftermath of the military coup in 1994.
Election Material
Constitution
Book Twelve: The Ombudsman, The Land Commission, The National Council for Civic Education, The Commissions of inquiry and The Media.
An examination of provisions in the Constitution of the Second Republic of The Gambia relating to the Ombudsman, the Land Commission, the National Council for Civic Education, the Commissions of Inquiry, and the media.
Election Material
Constitution
Book Ten: Amendment of The Constitution and The Constitution As The Fundamental Law
Examination by the Gambian newspaper, Foroyaa, as to the ability to amend the Constitution of the Second Republic of The Gambia, and as to the status of the Constitution as fundamental law of The Gambia.
Election Material
Constitution
Book Eight: on Public Finance and The Public Service
In Book Eight, the Gambian newspaper, Foroyaa, examines provisions relating to public finance and public service in the new Constitution of the Second Republic of the Gambia.