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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
Publication
Report/Paper
Pre-Election Technical Assessment of the Parliamentary Elections in Belarus
This report concerns the nationwide parliamentary elections which took place in March, 1994. The report details various meetings with government officials, media, labor leaders, educators and students. The pre-election assessment concludes with findings that the international community could assist Belarus in preparing for the elections and supporting the country’s progress toward democratic reforms.
January 31, 1994
Publication
Report/Paper
Report of the IFES Delegation Examining the Evolution of the Election Process in Belarus, March 20-24, 1992
This document is based on a March 1992 report by the IFES delegation examining the evolution of the electoral process in the Republic of Belarus. The report discusses the political setting and details the political, constitutional and electoral systems. The report also comments on the legislating and administering of elections in Belarus. Sections of the report cover campaign finance, balloting, and voter registration.
March 31, 1992