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Ensuring Equal Rights in the Elections Process
This paper addresses how, regardless of the differences in the electoral systems, most ‘unfair’ elections result from the political finance irregularities connected with unequal participation.
December 31, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
Political Money and Political Corruption: Considerations for Nigeria
November 28, 2003
Publication
Book
USAID Democracy & Governance: Money in Politics Handbook
Developed with the support of IFES research and expertise,
this handbook is a primer on the topic of money in politics with special
emphasis on the role of disclosure.
this handbook is a primer on the topic of money in politics with special
emphasis on the role of disclosure.
October 31, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
International Observation Mission Paraguay: General Elections April 27, 2003. Final Report
This report is issued as a record of the observations made by the IFES mission concerning the 2003 nationwide elections in Paraguay. It also presents a series of technical suggestions for the consideration of the Paraguayan government in the organization and administration of future elections.
June 18, 2003
Publication
Report/Paper
Money and Politics in Indonesia - Vol. 4
Published in May 2003, this report examines opportunities for improving regulation and disclosure of political party and candidate funding in the election campaign through the development of comprehensive implementing regulations by Indonesia's General Election Commission (KPU) and through the monitoring of news media and civil society.
April 30, 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