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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
Ballot
Bolivia General Election Ballot 2002
Ballot for the 2002 Presidential and General election in Bolivia. Main candidates in the election were Gonzalo Sanchez de LOZADA, Evo MORALES, Manfred Reyes VILLA, Jaime Paz ZAMORA, Felipe QUISPE, Ronald MACLEAN, and Alberto COSTA Obregon.
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
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
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill, 1997
Parliamentary and Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill, 1997
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Malawi Electoral Commission By-Elections
This newsletter, published by the Malawi Electoral Commission in preparation for the By-elections in November 1996, discusses voter registration, candidate registration, duties of representatives, and role of the media. It also encourages voters to make informed choices.