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Developing a New BRIDGE Module on Political Finance
On May 18 – 19, 2009, IFES and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance co-hosted a working group of political finance and BRIDGE experts to begin the development process for a new BRIDGE module on political finance. BRIDGE is a comprehensive curriculum on electoral processes. The gathering was held in Stockholm.
Publication
Report/Paper
Ethnic Divisions and Electoral System Design: Prospects for Reform in Kenya
In "Ethnic Divisions and Electoral System Design: Prospects for Reform in Kenya", Shane McGee, IFES' 2008 William and Kathy Hybl Democracy Studies Fellow, suggests that a country with deep ethnic cleavages like Kenya would greatly benefit from shifting its electoral system from a plurality to a mixed-member system.
July 09, 2008
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Discussion note cards
This series of 12 note cards, published in 2007 in South Africa, were designed to facilitate discussion based workshops. The cards present everyday scenarios involving topics and situations such as urban civics, the workplace and youth in South Africa. Those circumstances are also accompanied by discussion questions that frame the topic and scene with in the context of the South African constitution and civil society.
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
Election Material
Ballot
South Africa National Assembly Ballot 1999
Ballot paper used for the 2 June 1999 general election in South Africa. This was the second election in South Africa after apartheid, and voters were instructed to vote for the party of their choice. Seats in the National Assembly would be apportioned based on percentage of popular vote.
Election Material
Ballot
South Africa Provincial Ballot 1999
Ballot used for Provincial elections held in South Africa on 2 June 1999. This ballot was used in the Northern Province, and voters vote for one party for proportional representation.
Election Material
Ballot
South Africa Provincial Ballot 1999
Ballot used for Provincial elections held in South Africa on 2 June 1999. This ballot was used in the Western Cape Province, and voters vote for one party for proportional representation.