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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
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Electoral Code - Togo 2000
Electoral Code - Togo 2000
Publication
Report/Paper
Election Official Training in Bangladesh: Project Overview and Recommendations
This report details the IFES Election Official Training Assistance Project undertaken in October and November 1995. The document focuses on the technical assistance and commodities support to the Secretariat in support of its newly established Electoral Training Institute. The report details the multi-tiered project which helped prepare the Training Institute for election officials throughout Bangladesh. The discussion turns to the preparation of manuals, the development of an Election Official Pledge and Code of Conduct and details the intricacies of IFES work in assisting in Bangladeshi elections.
June 30, 1996
Publication
Report/Paper
Bangladesh Pre-Election Technical Assessment (January-February 1995) for the Sixth Parliamentary Elections projected for Winter 1995-96
This 1995 report evaluates Bangladesh's administrative systems for the delivery of electoral services such as constituency delimitation, voter identification and registration, balloting and election administration, poll worker training, vote tabulation, voter education, campaign practices, and media and civic participation prior to parliamentary elections. The report continues by identifying feasible areas for short-term technical assistance in anticipation of the parliamentary elections and provides a framework for public and private-funded assistance projects. Lastly, the report recommends longer term improvements to Bangladesh's election process as well as concrete actions which could be taken by USAlD and the NGO community in strengthening democratic institutions.
February 29, 1996
Publication
Report/Paper
Togo: Election Assistance Project, December 11, 1993 - January 29, 1994, Final Activity Report
This report summarizes the findings from an IFES election assistance project in Togo from late 1993 and early 1994. The report discusses technical advice provided to the National Election Commission, the Secretariat of State and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security.
February 28, 1994
Publication
Report/Paper
IFES Election Assistance Project: Togo, Final Activity Report (July 28 - August 23, 1993)
This report summarizes IFES’ technical election assistance project in Togo, conducted in summer 1993. Working with the Togolese Electoral Commission, the project’s aim was to strengthen Togo’s capacity to administer well-organized, free and fair elections.
August 31, 1993
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Law on Delimiting Constituencies
Law on Delimiting Constituencies
Election Material
Election and Political Party Law
Modifications in Electoral Code
Modifications in Electoral Code