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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
Electoral Assessment
Angola Pre-Election Assessment Report (2001)
From August 4-20, 2001, the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) conducted a joint pre-election assessment in Angola. The objective of the assessment was to: (1) Determine the prospects for holding general elections at such a time when the conditions that affect elections are conducive to a participatory and open process; and (2) Provide a set of baseline data from which to assess the readiness of Angola for elections and to make recommendations to the Government of the Republic of Angola, United States Government, the United Nations organizations in Luanda, and other donors, in preparation for such elections, including a timeline by which key actions need to occur.
February 28, 2002
Publication
Report/Paper
Guinea: Technical Assistance to the 2000 Elections, IFES Final Report
This report summarizes IFES on-site technical assistance provided in Guinea. The report details IFES efforts with various political parties, civil society and the international community. The report is specific to Guinea’s June 25, 2000 municipal elections.
October 31, 2000
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Importancia do voto da mulher
“The Importance of Women’s Vote” is an informative brochure, available in both Portuguese and Creole, published in 1999 by the NGO “PROMOCONSULT” in Guinea-Bissau, in lead up to the November, 1999 General Election in Guinea-Bissau. The guide is specifically meant to encourage women’s participation in the elections and to educate them on the importance of voting and freedom to choose that comes with it. The guide is comprised of cartoons and short dialogues between several women at a local gathering.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
A Democracia esta na tua mao Vota
“The Democracy is in Your Hand: Vote” is an informative flyer, available in Portuguese, issued in 1999 by the National Electoral Commission of Guinea-Bissau, in lead up to the November 28, 1999 General Election in Guinea-Bissau. The flyer is meant to stimulate citizens’ participation in the elections. The flyer contains basic information on the voting procedures, such as who is eligible to vote and where/how to vote.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Manual Do Eleitor
“ Voter’s Manual” is an informative booklet, available in Portuguese, published in 1999 by the National Electoral Commission of Guinea-Bissau, in lead up to November, 1999 General Election in Guinea-Bissau. The guide is meant to enhance citizens’ participation through educating them on the voting procedure. The guide instructs voters on who is eligible to vote, where they can vote, and how to vote. Additionally, the booklet provides brief explanations and general information about the elections and the political system in Guinea-Bissau.
Publication
Report/Paper
Evaluation of Fondation Hirondelle/Star Radio Project, Monrovia, February 7, 1999
This report offers background on the Star Radio project, as well as general information on the Liberian political and economic climate in Liberia. The report also provides an evaluation of the station itself, with an analysis of it structure and organization, programming, resources, financing and budget. The final section of the report outlines a mid-to long-range business plan, building on Star’s rapid response phase.
February 06, 1999
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Register Today and Vote Tomorrow
This advertisement encouraging voter participation shows a hand placing a ballot into a ballot box to emphasize the role that each Liberian has in the election system. Entitled “Register Today and Vote Tomorrow,” this document was published by the Elections Commission of Liberia and was funded by USAID and IFES.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Constitution (Big Law Book) of Liberia
Published by Liberian Democracy Watch (LDW) in 1999, “Constitution (Big Law Book) of Liberia” serves as an interpretation of the actual Liberian Constitution of 1986 in the vernacular with illustrations. This publication summarizes the important aspects of government structure, fundamental rights and national policy of Liberia, and the functions of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government in an effort to better educate the Liberian public. Also mentioned is the political party system and electoral structure of the country.
Election Material
Ballot
Guinea Preidential Ballot 1998
Presidential ballot papers for the election held in Guinea on 14 December 1998. The candidates represented are Alpha CONDE, Chales Pascal TOLNO, Lansana CONTE, Jean Marie DORE, and Ba Mamadou BOYE.