Tools & Resources
Filter by
Type
Publication date
Language
Type
Publication date
Language
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
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Taking Count of East Timor
“Taking Count of East Timor” explains the civil registration process including voter registration rules and regulations, the importance of voting, and when and where to vote. This pamphlet is provided by the East Timor Transitional Administration.
Publication
Report/Paper
Democracy, Economy and Gender In Uganda: A Report of a National Sample Survey
In the run-up to Uganda's referendum of June 2000, a national survey was conducted of a representative cross-section of 2271 adult Ugandan citizens. The survey covered all four regions of the country (northern, eastern, central and western), including 36 of the 45 administrative districts. The purpose of the survey was to assess popular attitudes to democracy, economy, civil society and gender.
October 05, 2000
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
The Referendum (Political Systems) Act, 2000
The Referendum (Political Systems) Act, 2000
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Papers on Referendum, Politics and Religion
“Papers on Referendum, Politics and Religion” is a booklet that was written in 2000 by Micheal Kaggwa. The literature is composed of three papers: one on religion and politics, one on the referendum and its implication on Uganda’s political development and one on why supporters of political parties should participate in the referendum. The papers seek to enhance voter efficacy towards democratic values and to address the role of religion and religious leaders in Uganda’s political discourse.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Facts about the Referendum
“Facts about the Referendum” was published in 2000 in lead up to the national referendum on Uganda’s political system. The vote would determine whether Uganda would remain in its no-party “Movement” system or switch to a “Multi-Party” system or other form of democracy. This civic education booklet explains why the referendum is taking place, how the multi party and no party systems differ and how the actually process of voting takes place.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Guidelines for Accredited Monitors for the Referendum Slated for 29th June 2000
“Guideline for Accredited Monitors for the Referendum Slated for 29th June- 2000,” is a pamphlet published in 2000 during the lead up to that year’s referendum on Uganda’s political system. The pamphlet describes what the roles of the international observers will be in the 2000 elections. This includes verifying that the electoral process is carried out within the confines of the law and acting with impartiality as stewards of the election.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Guidelines for Civic Educators
“Guidelines for Civic Education” is a booklet that was published in 2000 in Uganda. The literature provides a guide for civic educators to teach the public about the upcoming referendum on Uganda’s political system. The booklet also enumerates possible educational methods, such as posters, that could be utilized to teach voters about the electoral process.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
National Elections Manual
The “National Elections Manual” is a booklet that was released in the year 2000 and is broken into two parts, one on civic education and one on voter education. The section on civic education defines citizenship, outlines the branches of the Ugandan government and discusses the link between the constitution and the people. Section two on voter education focuses on the registration of voters, the nomination of candidates the process of voting.