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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
Les vertus de la non-violence
“Les vertus de la non-violence” is a report from June 2000, available in French, which focuses on non-violence and the importance of discussion and compromise in the process of conflict resolution. The document, published by the organization Medias pour la Paix, lists the benefits of non-violence in promoting peace and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Cours Sur la Democratie le Developpement et la Paix
“Cours Sur la Démocratie le Développement et la Paix” is a teaching guide from January 2000, available in French, which provides instructions for different activities that will promote democratic culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, published with the help of IFES, lists several terms such as citizen, state, and elections then stages a discussion-based activity that will promote the understanding of how important the concept is to the development of democracy and peace.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-Feu en Republique Democratique du Congo et Modalities de sa Mise en Oeuvre
“Accord de Lusaka Pour un Cessez-le-feu en République Democratique du Congo et Modalités de sa Mise en Œuvre” is a report, available in French and Swahili, from October 1999 outlining the agreement of Lusaka for a cease-fire in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The document, created by LINELIT, asks for a stop to the hostilities, disarmament of all sides and parties, a national dialogue, and a re-establishment of an authority and administration.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Reformas Electorales
“Electoral Reforms” is an informative booklet, available in Spanish, issued in 1999 by several civic education groups in El Salvador. The booklet reasons supporting the need for electoral reforms in El Salvador and briefly explains the 11 proposed reforms.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Reflechissez et Devenez Electeur Conscient
“Réfléchissez et Devenez Electeur Conscient” is a report from 1998, available in French, which details a step by step approach to making the Democratic Republic of Congo a truly democratic country with respect for the rights of citizens and free and fair elections. The document, published by LICE (Ligue de Conscientisation des Electeurs), refers to an African crisis of political under-development that must urgently be addressed.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Linelit Universal Declaration of Human Rights Calendar, 1999
“Linelit Universal Declaration of Human Rights Calendar, 1999” is a calendar for the year 1999 which also contains the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, available in French. This document, published by LINELIT (National League for Free and Fair Elections), celebrates the 50 year anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights which happened in December 1998. The calendar was distributed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Publication
Report/Paper
Proyecto Conjunto de Asesoria Tecnica al Registro Nacional de Las Personas Naturales de la Republica de El Salvador: Informe Final
August 31, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
Proyecto para Los Procesos Democraticos y Electorales en El Salvador
August 31, 1998