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Mision de Observacion de las Elecciones de Guinea Ecuatorial, Marzo de 1996
February 29, 1996
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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
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Translated Publications on Key Political Finance Issues
An Introduction, a briefing paper written by IFES Senior Political Finance Adviser Magnus Ohman, examines some of the key problems with money in politics – such as abuse of state resources, undue influence of wealthy interests in the political system, and corruption.
January 26, 2017
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Report/Paper
Electoral Rights of Environmentally Displaced Persons
How can key stakeholders plan for climate-related risks to democracy? How can environmentally displaced persons participate safely and equally in political life?
April 01, 2021
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Report/Paper
Introduction to Operational Planning: A Guide for Election Management Bodies
Operational planning is a key element of electoral management that is critical for the implementation of sustainable and credible elections.
August 08, 2022
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Report/Paper
Cybersecurity is Fundamental to Elections
A resource for EMBs about Cybersecurity.
October 13, 2022
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Report/Paper
Developing a Disability Inclusion Policy: A Strategic Planning and Implementation Guide for Election Management Bodies
Developing disability-inclusive measures for elections can help ensure young leaders have access to political life.
December 22, 2022
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Report/Paper
About IFES: Building Resilient Democracies That Deliver for All
Watch this video to learn about IFES work around the globe with the generous support of Sida.
January 31, 2023
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Report/Paper
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Elections: A Practitioner Brief
IFES presents a brief for practitioners on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Elections.
April 04, 2023