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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
Technical Assistance for the 31 May Elections and Legal Reform, April 1998-March 1999
This report summarizes an IFES technical assistance project in anticipation of parliamentary and municipal elections. The report discusses voter education and mobilization, non-partisan candidate information and outreach, poll worker training, legal and regulatory development and voter registration.
May 31, 1999
Publication
Report/Paper
Republic of Montenegro Technical Assessment of Election System Performance, Parliamentary and Municipal Elections, May 31, 1998
This analysis of election system performance in Montenegro reflects the cumulative findings of IFES' assessment and technical teams. It is based on their observations of the system in practice, a review of original source documents and consultations with the full range of participants in campaigns and elections. The analysis also reflects IFES' mandate as a technical assistance provider for parliamentary and municipal elections.
August 14, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
Strucna ocjena IFES_ a o stvarivanju izbornog sistema: Parlamentarni i opstinski izborni u Republici Crnoj Gori, SRJ 31 maj 1998
August 14, 1998
Publication
Report/Paper
Republic of Montenegro: Voter Awareness Assessment and Legal Review, Nov 1997-Feb 1998
This report assesses voter awareness of democratic principles and processes in the Republic of Montenegro. The report discusses the election framework, political parties, media and NGO development in the country. The report also provides legal analysis and drafts of election legislation.
April 30, 1998