Tools & Resources
Filter by
Type
Publication date
Language
Type
Publication date
Language
Publication
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
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Local Government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
The local government system in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has a rural-urban divide; separate institutions have been designed for rural and urban populations of the province.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: 2013 Pakistan Election Timeline
With the possibility for snap elections and by-elections during the tenures of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, the Election Commission of Pakistan must be ready to mobilize to conduct elections nation-wide or in individual constituencies at any time.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Electoral Rolls
Preparation of accurate and credible electoral rolls is a key step towards inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections. In Pakistan, the voter list is tied to the civil registry, which contains biometric data for all registered citizens.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Local Government in Balochistan
The local government system in Balochistan has a rural-urban divide; separate institutions have been designed for rural and urban populations of the province.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Nomination Process in Pakistan
The Election Commission of Pakistan must publish the official schedule for elections to the National and/or Provincial Assemblies in the National Gazette no more than 30 days after the President announces the election date(s).
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Presidential Elections in Pakistan
The President of Pakistan is the ceremonial head of the country, with the role of representing the unity of the Republic.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Provincial Assemblies
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (1973) envisages a federal parliamentary form of government with autonomy for the four provinces, with each province having its own elected Provincial Assembly.
June 24, 2013
Publication
Brochure/Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet: Gilgit-Baltistan Elections
Gilgit-Baltistan, formally known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA), is an autonomous region northern Pakistan with separate government and electoral systems.
June 24, 2014