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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
Survey
Issues and Priorities for Bangladesh: The 2000 IFES National Survey
In 2000, IFES conducted a first-of-its-kind poll of Bangladeshi adults that measured their opinions about a range of social and political issues. At the time, Bangladeshi politics was dominated by conflict between its two major parties. Through the poll, IFES hoped to learn voters’ attitudes toward the country’s current political and economic situation and to document their policy preferences. The results were made available to political parties, the government and civil society to better inform them about voters’ concerns. Twenty-two percent of respondents said development should be the foremost concern of their country’s leaders, and 17 percent (the next largest group) said politicians should focus on improving the “law and order situation.”
October 31, 2001
Publication
Report/Paper
Pre-Election Technical Assessment: Republic of Bangladesh, September 2000
This pre-election technical assessment regarding the October 2001 parliamentary elections in Bangladesh details the IFES team's aim to identify interventions that could build confidence and possibly create inducements for the opposition to reengage in the election process. With the above objectives in mind, the report discusses IFES development of a number of proposals centered on building public confidence, and promoting transparency and inclusiveness in the administration of the election process. This report also details the various political parties, the political system and the Electoral Laws then present in Bangladesh.
August 31, 2000
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
Civic Education Material
Are you Ready to Vote?
“Are You Ready to Vote?” was published in 1998 by the Elections Commission of Liberia and funded by USAID and IFES. This voter card brochure encourages Liberians to register to vote and obtain their voter cards on the heels of the July 19, 1997 General Elections in preparation for local elections. This document provides a sample voter card.
Election Material
Ballot
Liberia Presidential Ballot 1997
Ballot used for the Liberian presidential election held on 19 July 1997. The main candidates in the election were Charles TAYLOR and Ellen JOHNSON SIRLEAF.
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Seat Allocations for 1997 Special Elections
Seat Allocations for 1997 Special Elections