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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
Publication
Report/Paper
Strengthening the Local Electoral Process December 2002 Local Elections. IFES Final Report
This report summarizes IFES involvement in Benin’s 2002 local elections. The 2002 elections served as a precursor to the 2003 legislative and 2006 presidential elections. The report discusses IFES’ implementation of a two-phase voter education campaign attempting to bolster transparency and voter confidence throughout Benin. The report details IFES coordination with local NGOs, Media outlets and the decentralization process in Benin. The report concludes with recommendations for future election.
December 31, 2002
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Presidential Ballot First Round 2001
First round Presidential Ballot from the March 2001 elections in Benin. The President is elected by popular vote to serve a 5-year term. The main canidates in the first round were Mathieu KEREKOU, Bruni AMOUSSOU, Nicephore SOGLO, and Adrieu HOUNGBEDJI.
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Legislative Ballot 1999
Thirty five parties contested the 1999 Legislative Elections in Benin in a closed-list proportional representation system. They competed for 83 seats in the unicameral National Assembly to serve 4-year terms.
Publication
Report/Paper
Seminaire de Formation sur le Financement et le Controle des Depenses de Campagne Republique du Benin, 29 juin- 10 juillet 1998 (one copy w/diskette)
This report summarizes findings from a seminar conducted in Benin on political financing and the control of campaign spending in Benin. The report provides an action plan to tackle mismanagement of spending and provides various recommendations for the future.
July 31, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
Evaluation Pre-Electorale Technique: Republique du Benin, 23 November - 9 December 1997
This report serves as a pre-election assessment concerning Municipal elections in Benin in 1998 and 1999. The report discusses IFES support and technical assistance provided to civil society through the training of electoral agents and civic education. The document analyzes elections that took place in 1995 and applies the lessons learned to the 1998 elections.
December 31, 1997
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Legislative Election Party Flyers 1995 #9
Two party flyers from the 28 March 1995 legislative elections in Benin. Parties represented include the Union pour la Liberte et le Developpement (ULD) and the Alliance MSUP-UDRN.
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Legislative Election Party Flyers 1995 #5
Three party flyers from the 28 March 1995 legislative elections. Parties represented include the Alliance UDES-RDD Nassara, FURD-LDD, and the Notre Cause Commune.
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Legislative Election Party Flyers 1995 #3
A series of three party flyers from the 28 March 1995 Benin Legislative elections. Parties represented in these flyers are the Union pour la Democratie et la Solidarite Nationale (UDS), FARD-ALAFIA, and the Rassemblement pour le Democratie et le Panafricanisme (RDP).
Election Material
Ballot
Benin Legislative Election Party Flyers 1995 #4
A series of three flyers for political parties and alliances participating in the 28 March 1995 Legislative elections in Benin. Parties and alliances represented are the RDL Vivoten, Alliance "RNPJ-PS," and the Alliance Cameleon.