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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
News & Updates
Feature
Elections on Trial Project: Inaugural Meeting of the Europe and Eurasia Electoral Jurisprudence Working Group
IFES is working to establish peer networks in Europe and Eurasia and Africa, supported by the United States Agency for International Development. Regional knowledge exchange allows judges and election commissioners to discuss best practices and share comparative examples of how other countries deal with specific categories of complaints and disputes.
News & Updates
Feature
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2019 in Papua New Guinea
IFES celebrated International Women’s Day 2019 with counterparts in Port Moresby and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The Port Moresby-based Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission hosted a celebration and luncheon, and the IFES team in Bougainville joined local civil society organizations and other partners on a peace march through Buka Town.
News & Updates
Feature
Photo Gallery: Pacific Women with Disabilities Empowered to Advocate with Government Officials
IFES partnered with the Pacific Disability Forum to train 15 women with a diverse range of disabilities in September 2019 as part of the “Power to Persuade” program. The training enhanced participants’ public speaking and advocacy skills and provided a platform to share their work, highlight best practices and discuss lessons learned.
Election FAQ
Elections in Vanuatu: 2020 General Elections
Vanuatu held elections on March 19. Voters’ concerns included the economy and the Pacific Islands Forum, which will be hosted by Vanuatu in August. To help you understand this important electoral process, IFES provides Frequently Asked Questions on Elections in Vanuatu: 2020 General Elections.
News & Updates
Feature
COVID-19 and Elections in the Pacific Islands
In partnership with the Fijian Elections Office, IFES is co-hosting a webinar series to inform local election management bodies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the Pacific region on best practices for conducting elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
News & Updates
Feature
Election Considerations in the Pacific During an Infodemic
In partnership with the Fijian Elections Office, IFES is working to inform election management bodies, civil society organizations and other stakeholders in the Pacific region on best practices for conducting elections during the pandemic. Their most recent webinar focused on “Preserving Electoral Integrity During an Infodemic.”
News & Updates
Feature
Ensuring Inclusion and Meaningful Political Participation in the Pacific During COVID-19
In partnership with the Fijian Elections Office, IFES co-hosted a webinar on inclusion in the Pacific region during the COVID-19 pandemic.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES and the Pacific Disability Forum Celebrate International Women’s Day 2021
IFES and the Pacific Disability Forum stand in solidarity with women with disabilities working to ensure equal access to rights in the COVID-19 response and recovery.