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Azerbaijan FINAL REPORT, September 21, 1997-December 31, 2002
This report summarizes the electoral climate in prior to the November 12, 1995 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. The report details the IFES program activities including legal advising, seminars and roundtables conducted by IFES, technical support, NGO support and development and various products for successful election implementation. The report concludes with recommendations concerning democracy assistance and program administration in the future.
February 28, 2003
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
Summary Description of the Division of Powers Between Municipalities and State Local Executive Authorities , November 2002
This report describes the division of powers between Municipalities and State Local Executive Authorities in Azerbaijan. The report defines the roles of both democratic institutions. The report includes an organizational chart, general responsibilities of each branch of government and other information concerning the institutions. The report provides a simple and clear division of powers and responsibilities between both branches of government.
October 31, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Municipalities in Azerbaijan
This report describes the role municipalities play in the democratic process in Azerbaijan. The document begins by describing what municipalities are, the legal framework regarding municipalities and the structure of municipalities. Following the description of municipalities, the report proceeds by reviewing what municipalities can do for the people, as well as how people can get involved in these institutions. The report concludes by outlining the IFES/Azerbaijan local governance program.
September 30, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Citizens Activity is Basis for Democratic Society, April 2002
This report serves as an educational summary on civic education for citizens of Azerbaijan. The document covers topics such as who is an active citizen and what does being an active citizen involve? The report continues to outline constitutional rights, priorities of a democratic government, and citizen participation in democracies.
April 30, 2002
Election Material
Civic Education Material
We Observe let the fairness at elections become a habit
This brochure explains the purpose of the Monitoring Center CEMI in Montenegro. It also discusses the role of the organization in the Parlimentary and local elections of 2002. Topics covered include media participation, political party financing, and the role of election monitoring.