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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
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.
Publication
Report/Paper
Technical Assistance for the 31 May Elections and Legal Reform, April 1998-March 1999
This report summarizes an IFES technical assistance project in anticipation of parliamentary and municipal elections. The report discusses voter education and mobilization, non-partisan candidate information and outreach, poll worker training, legal and regulatory development and voter registration.
May 31, 1999
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Model Laws for The Election of Councillors, Representatives and Political Party Financing - Montenegro
Model Laws for The Election of Councillors, Representatives and Political Party Financing - Montenegro
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Model Laws for the Election of Councillors; Representatives and Political Party Financing
Model Laws for the Election of Councillors; Representatives and Political Party Financing