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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 Worth Dying For? Maintaining the Peace During Elections in Africa
Used as a political tool before, during and after elections, violence threatens the franchise and civil rights of all citizens.
News & Updates
Feature
Marking Political Progress in Zimbabwe
As Zimbabwe’s Unity Government marks its third anniversary, Staffan Darnolf, IFES Chief of Party in Zimbabwe, tells us where the government stands on fulfilling the agreement that brought it into existence, how well the constitution that is being written protects civil liberties, and when Zimbabwe might hold elections.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Paving the Way for Inclusive Elections in Zimbabwe
In 2009, Zimbabwe formed a Government of National Unity to overcome a political impasse. One of this government’s main tasks is to draft a new constitution for the country that will determine, among other things, the country’s electoral framework. In this Q&A, IFES Chief of Party in Zimbabwe Staffan Darnolf provides an update on the constitution’s drafting process and the efforts that are being made to make elections in Zimbabwe more inclusive.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Signed MoU with Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
On May 7, 2014, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The overarching goal of this collaboration is to support the Commission in exercising its mandate in conducting fair, transparent and credible elections.
Publication
Report/Paper
Regional Director on “The Elections We Want” in Africa
As part of its annual report, the Wilson Center Africa Program asked IFES Regional Director for Africa Rushdi Nackerdien to contribute an essay on recent African elections. His piece, “The Elections We Want,” covered 2017 elections in Angola, Rwanda, Liberia, Senegal, the Gambia, and Kenya, and their implications for election practitioners moving forward.
January 31, 2018
News & Updates
Feature
Zimbabwean Civil Society Organizations Promote Credible, Inclusive Elections
Zimbabwe will hold its much-anticipated harmonized elections on July 30, when citizens will vote for president, 201 constituency seats in the National Assembly, and seats in the urban and rural local authorities. IFES has been working to strengthen the capacity of Zimbabwean civil society organizations and community-based organizations to promote credible, inclusive and transparent elections.
News & Updates
Feature
IFES Signs Global Disability Summit Charter for Change
On July 24, the United Kingdom Department for International Development, the International Disability Alliance and the Government of Kenya will host the first-ever Global Disability Summit. IFES, represented by IFES President Bill Sweeney, will participate and has signed the Charter for Change, the summit’s principal legacy document outlining actions that must be taken to ensure the rights, freedoms, dignity and inclusion for all persons with disabilities.
Publication
Report/Paper
New Assessment of Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold general elections on July 30, which may be the foundation for a new political era. Violence Against Women in Elections in Zimbabwe: An IFES Assessment demonstrates that deep-seated inequality and targeted violence against women in elections inhibit Zimbabwean women from taking full and equal part in this transformative moment. Setbacks at this critical juncture could echo for years or generations, entrenching political gender inequality in the “new Zimbabwe.”
July 24, 2018