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Spending Limits as a Policy Option
Citizens in many countries are upset because they believe the current financing of politics (which involves corruption and under-the-table deals) is violating the basic democratic values of equal opportunity, transparency and accountability. One way to bring the funding of political parties and candidates into line with these values is to regulate campaign expenditures through spending limits. This is a viable option, but such limits must be designed and implemented with care.
June 29, 2007
Election Material
Civic Education Material
50 Ans au Coeur de la Democratie
“50 Ans au Coeur de la Democratie” is a leaflet from 2007, available in French, which celebrates the fact that the Director General of Elections in Quebec has been at the heart of the electoral system in Quebec and has promoted democracy for 50 years. The document published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec publicizes what it has done to promote democracy, be at the service of voters, and regulate finance in elections taking place in Quebec.
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
Publication
Book
A Guide for the Auditor of a Candidate in a Federal Election: Pursuant to the Canada Elections Act (2000) - Canada
October 01, 2000
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Referendum 1995: Financing and Expenses
“Referendum 1995: Financing and Expenses” is a 1995 leaflet, available in French, which explains the regulations for expenses and financing towards national committees that will be represented in the 1995 Referendum in Quebec, Canada. The document, published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec, provides information on the official agent, financing reports, and affiliation.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Our Hearts in Our Work
“Our Hearts in Our Work” is a booklet, published in 1995 by The Coalition for Change, which seeks to convince reader to vote Yes in the Referendum Vote on October 30th 1995 which will decide whether Quebec should claim sovereignty from Canada. The document provides arguments for change based on the affirmation of language and culture, better jobs and greater prosperity, and the ability to claim Quebecois sovereignty while maintaining a partnership with Canada.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Municipal - Official representatives: A question of principle
“Municipal - Official representatives: A question of principle” is a leaflet from July 1995, available in both French and English copies, which explains to readers that political parties or individual candidates running for municipal office must designate an official representative to collect campaign contributions. The document, published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec, explains that contributions may only be solicited under the authority of the official representative for the 1995 Municipal Elections in Canada.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Municipal - Candidates: A question of principle
“Municipal Candidates: A Question of Principle” is a leaflet from 1995, available in a French and English copy, which explains how candidates running for office in their municipality should go about financing campaigns and incurring election expenses through the official agent. The document, published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec, provides basic information on necessary qualifications to run for office in the 1995 Municipal Election in Quebec, Canada, and states some rules and regulations regarding election expenses and reimbursement.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Municipal - l'Agent Officiel: une question de principe
“Municipal - l'Agent Officiel: une question de principe” is a leaflet from 1995, available in both French and English copies, which explains to readers that political parties or individual candidates running for municipal office must designate an official agent in order to control finances. The document, published by the Director General of Elections in Quebec, explains that the official agent is the only one authorized to incur election expenses for the 1995 Municipal Elections in Canada.