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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
Electoral Assessment
Angola Pre-Election Assessment Report (2001)
From August 4-20, 2001, the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) conducted a joint pre-election assessment in Angola. The objective of the assessment was to: (1) Determine the prospects for holding general elections at such a time when the conditions that affect elections are conducive to a participatory and open process; and (2) Provide a set of baseline data from which to assess the readiness of Angola for elections and to make recommendations to the Government of the Republic of Angola, United States Government, the United Nations organizations in Luanda, and other donors, in preparation for such elections, including a timeline by which key actions need to occur.
February 28, 2002
Election Material
Constitution
Constitution (Amendment) Act 2000
Act amending Articles 110, 161, 177, 184, and 226 of the Constitution of Guyana (1980).
Publication
Report/Paper
IFES Election Report: Malawi An Overview of the 1999 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, July 30, 1999
This IFES Election Report was conducted in July 1999 in Malawi. The report discusses the role IFES played in facilitating the election, the legal and constitutional issues, management of the elections and election day set-up/observations.
July 29, 1999
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (Amendment) - Act No. 29 of 1997
Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (Amendment) - Act No. 29 of 1997
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Law on Electoral Commission
Law on Electoral Commission
Publication
Report/Paper
Technical Assistance Project, Guyana, Final Report April 30, 1998
This report discusses the procurement of election materials for the 1997 presidential and parliamentary elections in Guyana. The report also discusses IFES election observations from the 1997 general elections.
April 29, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
Report on Issues in Preparation for the 1999 General Elections in Malawi, 14 February 1998
This report on preparation issues for the 1999 general elections in Malawi provides multiple recommendations, comments and concerns for the elections. The report discusses the electoral commission, voter registration/constituency boundaries and the general election calendar.
February 13, 1998
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
The Malawi Gazette Supplement, 1998, Containing Bills
The Malawi Gazette Supplement, 1998, Containing Bills