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Overcoming Challenges to Democracy and Governance Programs in Post-Conflict Countries: CEPPS Lessons Learned
How can democracy and governance programs be more effective in post-conflict environments?
May 18, 2021
Publication
Report/Paper
Elections in Guatemala: November 6 Run-off Presidential Election
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide insight into issues related to the upcoming election.
November 02, 2011
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
Report/Paper
Estudio Sobre la Inscripcion de los Ninos en el Registro Civil de Guatemala: Informe Finale
October 31, 1999
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Guatemala’s Highest Elections Official on Political Rights and Women’s Advancement
Dr. María Eugenia Villagrán De León, President of the Supreme Elections Tribunal of Guatemala (TSE), has a history of transcending gender barriers and achieving great success. To her, ensuring that women have equal opportunities and are living in a safe country where they have political rights is a personal cause. She answers some questions about her views and desires for her country.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Working for the People, Elections and Foreign Service
While with IFES, Libna Bonilla worked hand-in-hand with Maximo Zaldivar, then chief of party in Guatemala, and other team members to help Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) deliver the 2011 general elections.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Record High Voter Turnout during Guatemala Run-off Election
On Sunday, November 6, Guatemala held the second round of its presidential election. Max Zaldivar, IFES Chief of Party in Guatemala, answered a few questions about the election.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Reflections on Guatemalan Women: A Q&A with Magistrate María Eugenia Villagrán de León
Former President of Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) Magistrate María Eugenia Villagrán de León talks to IFES about her legacy.
News & Updates
Feature
New Electoral Governance and Reforms Project in Guatemala
Over the past two years, Guatemalans have made unprecedented advances in strengthening their country’s democracy and engaging in political life.To support implementation of the Law on Political Parties, IFES will work hand-in-glove with Guatemala's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). This legislation puts in place landmark reforms that seek to increase accountability, enhance the transparency and inclusivity of the electoral system, and expand the TSE’s mandate as a political finance regulator.
News & Updates
Feature
Guatemala’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal and IFES Enhance Partnership
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ (IFES) professional culture is to remain in the background, as election management bodies (EMBs) are both our client and partner. Ultimately, we provide technical assistance for EMBs during their elections in their country.