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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
Myanmar’s Election Commission Takes Steps to Achieve Gender Equality and Include Voters with Disabilities
After five decades of military rule, Myanmar has initiated an ongoing process of democratic reform, opening new and significant political space. However, persons with disabilities in Myanmar still face numerous obstacles in accessing their right to vote, and, at only 6.8 percent, Myanmar has one of the lowest percentages of women in parliament in the region.
Election FAQ
Elections in Myanmar: 2015 General Elections
On November 8, 2015, Myanmar voters will directly elect representatives to the Amyotha Hluttaw, Myanmar’s upper house of Parliament; the Pyithu Hluttaw, Parliament’s lower house; and State and Region Assemblies.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Mapping Myanmar: Q&A with Michael Lidauer, IFES Senior Elections and Conflict Adviser
In this Q&A, IFES Myanmar Senior Election and Conflict Adviser Michael Lidauer discusses what led to the development of the Myanmar mapping project, the challenges in producing the maps, and how they were used in the electoral process.
News & Updates
Feature
Video: CEPPS Presidents Discuss Historic 2015 Elections
In this interview, IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney, IRI President Ambassador Mark Green, and NDI President Kenneth Wollack discuss how CEPPS’ collaborated during recent milestone elections in Myanmar, Nigeria, and Tunisia.
News & Updates
Feature
Sharing Democratic Principles and Civic Knowledge with Myanmar’s Citizens
IFES partnered with seven civil society organizations in Myanmar to conduct a widespread civic education program entitled Naing Ngan Thar Kaung, or Model Citizen.
News & Updates
Feature
Training Myanmar DPOs on Disability Rights, Media, and Elections
On October 12-13, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) held a Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) training on “Disability Rights, Media, and Elections” for 25 people representing five disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) in Yangon, Myanmar including IFES’ local partner the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI).
News & Updates
Feature
Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future: A Youth Civic Education Program in Myanmar
Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future is a youth civic education training program designed and supported by IFES. By supporting Myanmar’s youth to develop civic knowledge and critical thinking skills, IFES and its local partners are empowering first-time voters to make informed decisions in the 2020 elections and beyond and empowering young people to become future leaders in their communities.
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.