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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
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Restoring Democracy in the Political Picture
“Restoring Democracy in the Political Picture” is a pamphlet encouraging Pakistanis to register for the new voter’s list. It was published by the Election Commission of Pakistan on October 10th 2000 and also points out the new minimum voting age has been moved from 21 to 18 in an effort to reach out to Pakistani youth and encourage them to participate in Pakistani elections.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Fair Procedures for Clear Solutions!
Seen in both Urdu and English, “Fair Procedures for Clear Solutions!” is a reminder sent out by the Election Commission of Pakistan on October 2nd, 2000. It provides a brief reminder to those Pakistanis over 18 to ensure that their names are on the voter’s list in order to be able to vote at the next election as well as special registration information.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
New Voters' List Your Participation Your National contribution!
This election registration reminder comes prior to Pakistani local elections taking place in 18 districts and was sent out on September 28th, 2000 by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Entitled, “New Voter’s List, Your Participation, Your National Contribution!” attempts to encourage Pakistanis to participate in these local elections.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Laying the foundation for a just society
Published by the Election Commission of Pakistan on September 15th, 2000, “Laying the Foundation for a just society” is a pamphlet advocating the need to register to vote in Pakistan. Written in both Urdu and English, this brief, illustrated pamphlet provides basic registration and eligibility requirements while encouraging Pakistanis to participate in upcoming elections.
Election Material
Civic Education Material
Is Your Name on the new Voter's list?
Available here both in Urdu and English, “Is Your Name on the New Voter’s List” is a reminder sent out by the Election Commission of Pakistan on September 8th, 2000. It provides a brief reminder to those Pakistanis over 18 to ensure that their names are on the voter’s list in order to be able to vote at the next election.
Election Material
Constitution
Constitution (Amendment) Act 2000
Act amending Articles 110, 161, 177, 184, and 226 of the Constitution of Guyana (1980).
Publication
Report/Paper
Technical Assistance Project, Guyana, Final Report April 30, 1998
This report discusses the procurement of election materials for the 1997 presidential and parliamentary elections in Guyana. The report also discusses IFES election observations from the 1997 general elections.
April 29, 1998