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Money in Politics

Providing for transparency in the funding of campaigns, political parties, and democratic politics is an essential accountability mechanism for democratic government and is a growing focus area in OGP. 

Overview

Money is a necessary and growing component in modern competitive elections. However, it provokes distrust and cynicism among the electorate, and can be a tool for corruption by those with resources.

Ensuring transparency of money in politics has increasingly become an area of interest for OGP members, who are working on ways to empower citizens to oversee and monitor the source of election financing. Early indications show that political finance commitments are highly effective and indicate strong results. Tackling the ill effects of money in politics also helps level the playing field and open access to political processes to women and other groups who may be traditionally excluded. 

This policy brief provides a helpful review.

Recommendations

  • Establish a mandatory public register of meetings between lobbyists and public officials. Madrid has a public online registry where lobbyists must disclose any meetings with members of the City Council. Ireland created a public registry of lobbyists and an advisory group, ultimately increasing citizen access to information and improving accountability in the policy-making process. 
  • Create open, equitable, and responsive channels for public consultation. After Chile’s Law on Lobbying came into force in 2014, the government adopted measures to implement it effectively, including holding public consultations where citizens could offer recommendations on how the law should be carried out.
  • Introduce mandatory codes of conduct for both officials and lobbyists and ensure there are appropriate sanctions in place for non-compliance. According to the International Standards for Lobbying Regulation, as of May 2015, 16 OGP countries have national lobbying regulations.
  • Target political equity measures to promote the participation and representation of women and politically marginalized groups, including campaign finance reforms and minimum standards for participation. In Sri Lanka, the government committed to implementing and maintaining a 25 percent mandatory quota for women within local governments, dramatically increasing women’s representation in local elected office.

Partners

Commitments

  1. Starred commitment Ensure Greater Transparency Around Bids and Contracts

    KE0014, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  2. Starred commitment Public Sector Standards Bill

    IE0047, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  3. Starred commitment Introduction of the Public Officials’ Asset Declarations Monitoring System

    GE0050, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  4. Starred commitment Protect Against Conflicts of Interest

    FR0026, 2015, Conflicts of Interest

  5. Starred commitment Ethics Reform

    IE0011, 2014, Conflicts of Interest

  6. Starred commitment Legal Framework Reform Public Probity

    SV0032, 2013, Asset Disclosure

  7. Starred commitment Accountability and Integrity

    LR0005, 2013, Conflicts of Interest

  8. Starred commitment Improving Access to Information on Expending Public Resources and Contents of Relevant Registers: Implementation of Acts on Political Activity and Campaign Financing

    HR0006, 2012, Civic Space

  9. Starred commitment Bill Lobby

    CL0015, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  10. Starred commitment Bill Sworn Statement of Assets and Illicit Enrichment

    DO0022, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  11. Starred commitment Transparent Party Financing

    GE0008, 2012, Money in Politics

  12. Asset Declaration System

    LK0025, 2019, Asset Disclosure

  13. CEDAW Implementation

    LK0035, 2019, Capacity Building

  14. Civil Servant Training Modules

    BA0003, 2019, Capacity Building

  15. Open Ministry of Interior Data

    GR0069, 2019, E-Government

  16. Register of government deicsion-making

    FI0032, 2019, Conflicts of Interest

  17. Asset Declaration

    CI0020, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  18. Monitoring Property Status of Elected and Appointed Officials

    MK0124, 2018, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  19. Healthy Democracy

    CA0069, 2018, Civic Space

  20. Integrity in Public Management

    HN0065, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  21. Political Finance Transparency

    HR0028, 2018, Capacity Building

  22. Open Congressional Data

    HN0067, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  23. Transparent Political Party Finance

    NL0038, 2018, Legislation & Regulation

  24. Anti-Corruption Framework

    TN0043, 2018, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  25. Fostering National Dialogue to Achieve Political Reform

    JO0061, 2018, Capacity Building

  26. Updating of electoral roll

    RS0035, 2018, E-Government

  27. Transparency in the Funding of Political Parties

    RO0056, 2018, E-Government

  28. Election Data Openness

    ID0098, 2018, E-Government

  29. Open Data in Official Declarations

    AM0035, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  30. Election Financy Transparency

    KG0017, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  31. Private Sector Transparency

    FR0049, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  32. Access to Information on Public Officials

    FR0050, 2018, Asset Disclosure

  33. Public Law Ethics and Integrity

    PY0055, 2018, Conflicts of Interest

  34. Political Donation Transparency

    AU0017, 2018, Legislation & Regulation

  35. Strengthening Transparency in the Electoral Process.

    GT0104, 2018, Audits and Controls

  36. Strengthening Mechanisms for Publishing Information On Electoral Process to Citizens.

    GT0105, 2018, E-Government

  37. Registering Assets of Government Officials

    AF0005, 2017, Asset Disclosure

  38. Training for Women of Political Parties

    CR0055, 2017, Gender

  39. Enhancing Village Government Accountability

    BOJ0002, 2017, Asset Disclosure

  40. Developing a New Transparency Portal for Madrid City Council

    MAD0002, 2017, Asset Disclosure

  41. Anti-Corruption Transparency

    GH0021, 2017, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  42. e-Participation Through the National Government Portal

    PH0050, 2017, Citizenship and Immigration

  43. Transparency and Participation in Health Policy: Implementation of Mechanisms to Prevent Conflicts of Interest

    AR0046, 2017, Conflicts of Interest

  44. Elaboration of a Bill Funding of Political Parties

    AR0048, 2017, Legislation & Regulation

  45. Strengthening the Regime of Financial Disclosure Reports and Interest

    AR0051, 2017, Conflicts of Interest

  46. Opening Spaces for Discussion and Training on the Electoral Process in Argentina

    AR0059, 2017, Education

  47. Citizen Election Watch

    PA0027, 2017, E-Government

  48. Preventing Conflicts of Interest in Public Procurement State

    PA0029, 2017, Conflicts of Interest

  49. Technology and Electoral Process

    AR0067, 2017, Capacity Building

  50. Transparent Funding of Political Parties

    MN0025, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  51. Open Data on Property Status of Elected and Appointed Persons

    MK0096, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  52. Elections

    SL0018, 2016, E-Government

  53. Information Transparency of the Owners of the Entities with Rights to Use Mineral Resources

    MN0033, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  54. Make Licenses, Information and Activities of the Companies Transparent and Effective by Government

    MN0034, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  55. Strengthening Women Participation in the Political Decision Making Process at the Local Level

    LK0015, 2016, Capacity Building

  56. Measures in the Field of Prevention of Corruption and Improvement of Legislation

    AZ0047, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  57. Campaign Finance

    LK0020, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  58. Create Legal, Organizational and Technical Tools to Easily Access Detailed Information About Election and Voting Procedures

    LT0019, 2016, E-Government

  59. Elections Data

    UK0069, 2016, Capacity Building

  60. National Integrity System

    MW0003, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  61. State Employees’ Ownership of Shares

    NO0050, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  62. Register for Ultimate Beneficial Ownership

    NO0053, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  63. More Open and Transparent Law-Making

    EE0043, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  64. Strengthen the Actions of Health Promotion Aimed at the Recognition of Obesity as a Disease, Involving the Public and All Levels of Government Through Mechanisms of Transparency and Accountability to Avoid the Potential Conflict of Interest Throughout the Policy Cycle Public on the Matter.

    MX0070, 2016, Conflicts of Interest

  65. Promoting Transparency in the Decision-Making Process By Setting Up a Transparency Register (RUTI)

    RO0039, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  66. Strengthen the Actions of Health Promotion Aimed at the Recognition of Obesity as a Disease, Involving the Public and All Levels of Government Through Mechanisms of Transparency and Accountability to Avoid the Potential Conflict of Interest Throughout the Policy Cycle Public on the Matter.

    MX0072, 2016, Conflicts of Interest

  67. Improve Transparency in the Management of Seized Assets

    RO0041, 2016, Asset Disclosure

  68. "Open Data" in Official Declaration:

    AM0030, 2016, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  69. Development of E-Democracy.

    UA0069, 2016, Money in Politics

  70. Electoral System and Political Parties

    AU0011, 2016, Money in Politics

  71. Establish a Register of Beneficial Ownership

    IE0048, 2016, Asset Disclosure

  72. Open Data and Statistics

    UY0086, 2016, Capacity Building

  73. Transparency in Public Sector Lobbying by Third Parties

    HU0008, 2015, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  74. New Commitments in Average

    AR0025, 2015, Money in Politics

  75. Transparent Financing of Parties and Candidates

    PA0009, 2015, Fiscal Transparency

  76. Law Reform on Property Statements

    PA0014, 2015, Asset Disclosure

  77. Reform the Rules of Conflict of Interest

    PA0015, 2015, Conflicts of Interest

  78. Publication Database of Obligated Servants to Declare Property Real

    PA0024, 2015, Asset Disclosure

  79. State Council

    CO0053, 2015, E-Government

  80. Supervising Officials Responsible of Public Resources

    LV0022, 2015, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  81. Assessment of the System of the Financing Political Parties

    LV0026, 2015, Money in Politics

  82. Strengthen Ethics and Transparency Issues in the Curriculum for Primary and High School

    SV0066, 2014, Capacity Building

  83. Strengthen Public Probity

    SV0067, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  84. Ethics in Public Service.

    HN0035, 2014, Conflicts of Interest

  85. Improvement of Transparency of Election and Referendum Campaigns

    HR0015, 2014, E-Government

  86. Media Transparency

    HR0017, 2014, Civic Space

  87. Improving Transparency of Information on Members of Parliament and Their Work

    HR0018, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  88. Improving Transparency of Data on Assets of Officials

    HR0019, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  89. Strengthening Legal Framework for Corruption Fight

    TN0001, 2014, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  90. Internal Control Units Structures

    JO0034, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  91. Update the Civil Service Bylaw

    JO0043, 2014, Capacity Building

  92. Call on All Municipalities to Facilitate Advance Voting

    DK0035, 2014, Marginalized Communities

  93. Letter of Invitation to First-Time Voters Urging Them to Vote

    DK0036, 2014, Marginalized Communities

  94. Ensuring Transparency of Asset and Income Declarations of the RA High-Ranking Officials

    AM0019, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  95. Implementation of the School of Transparency.

    GT0033, 2014, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  96. Strengthening Public Service Ethics

    KR0020, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  97. Public Procurement Controls

    BG0038, 2014, Audits and Controls

  98. Asset Disclosure on a Single Web Portal

    UA0044, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  99. Conflicts of Interest

    BG0040, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  100. Electronic Democracy Development Roadmap

    UA0053, 2014, E-Government

  101. Law on Financing Political Activities

    RS0002, 2014, Legislation & Regulation

  102. Asset Declaration Monitoring System

    GE0024, 2014, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  103. Political Party Financial Declarations

    GE0025, 2014, E-Government

  104. Extending and Clarifying Responsibilities of the Anti-Corruption Agency

    RS0005, 2014, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  105. Defining the Scope of the Elected and Appointed Persons Who Are Obliged to Submit Declarations of Assets and Interests Statement - Preparation of the Register

    MK0071, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  106. Public Integrity Pact with 5 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies

    SL0001, 2014, Conflicts of Interest

  107. Introduce a System of Random Disclosure to the Public of Asset and Financial Statements of Any Public Servants.

    MN0017, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  108. Publish the Asset and Financial Statements of Officials Who Work in Organizations with a High Likelihood of Corruption Index on Websites and Ensure Citizen Monitoring.

    MN0018, 2014, Asset Disclosure

  109. Code of Conduct Bill

    GH0008, 2013, Asset Disclosure

  110. Integrity Control System in the Public Sector

    HU0004, 2013, Conflicts of Interest

  111. Reducing Conflicts of Interests – Post-Employment Regulations

    NO0030, 2013, Conflicts of Interest

  112. Instruments for Integrity

    NL0004, 2013, Anti-Corruption Institutions

  113. Develop and Implement an Accountability/Consequences Management Framework for Public Servants

    ZA0009, 2013, Conflicts of Interest

  114. Develop Regulatory Sanctions on Code of Ethics

    HN0006, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  115. Disclosure of Income from Extractive Industries

    AZ0032, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  116. Preventing Conflicts of Interest: Raising Public Awareness

    ME0027, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  117. Preventing Conflicts of Interest: Training for Public Officers and Public Campaigns

    ME0028, 2012, Capacity Building

  118. Preventing Conflicts of Interest: Political Independency of the Commission for Prevention of the Conflict of Interest

    ME0029, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  119. Application of Code of Ethics: Establish an Ethical Board, as an Independent Body

    ME0031, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  120. Application of Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics Training for Civil Servants

    ME0032, 2012, Capacity Building

  121. Application of Code of Ethics: Ensure Application of the Code of Ethics Through Operation of Disciplinary Bodies and Periodic Check

    ME0033, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  122. Application of Code of Ethics: Strengthen Tax Administration and Customsadministration Internal Control Mechanisms

    ME0034, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  123. Transparency of Criteria for Employment, Bonuses, and Promotion in the Public Sector

    ME0035, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  124. Disclosure of Public Officials’ Assets

    TZ0019, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  125. Bill Probity in Public

    CL0008, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  126. Letter of Commitment from Public Officials

    CL0012, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  127. Relevant to the Declaration of Assets and Interests Actions: Relevant to the Declaration of Assets and Interests Shares Increase Number Authorities

    CL0013, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  128. Actions Relevant to the Declaration of Assets and Interests: New Form

    CL0014, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  129. Creation of a Database of Declarations of Economic Interests

    EE0010, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  130. Establishment of the Public Ethics Council

    EE0014, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  131. Ensuring the Implementation of the Code of Conduct Among Government Employees

    JO0014, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  132. Accountability/ Consequences Management Framework

    ZA0001, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  133. Improving Procurement Procedures

    AM0003, 2012, Capacity Building

  134. Law for Controlling Declarations of Public Servants

    UA0012, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  135. Public Declarations of Officials’ Assets

    UA0013, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  136. Promoting Transparency and Objectiveness in Tax Administration

    AM0005, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  137. Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest

    UA0014, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  138. Ensuring Transparency of Asset Declarations

    AM0013, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  139. Strengthen Asset Disclosure for Public Servants

    KR0013, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  140. Monitor Restrictions on Post-Public Employment

    KR0014, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  141. Integrity System on Local Level.1. Established Methodology. 2. Piloting in 10 Municipalities.

    MK0032, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  142. e-Declarations

    GE0010, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  143. Asset Disclosure

    LV0010, 2012, Asset Disclosure

  144. Integrity Pacts

    SV0009, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  145. Political Parties Act

    SV0014, 2012, Money in Politics

  146. Marco Affidavit

    PE0021, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  147. Scheme Conflict of Interest

    PE0022, 2012, Conflicts of Interest

  148. An Open Public Sector and Inclusive Government

    NO0001, 2011, Capacity Building

Resources

  1. Lobby Law in Chile: Democratizing Access to Public Authorities

    Since 2004, succeeding governments in Chile have launched legal initiatives to improve transparency, probity and principles of good government, including…

    2016, Documents, Web Page

  2. Political Finance Transparency Policy Brief

    Transparency in the funding of  campaigns, political parties and democratic politics is at the heart of the international anti-corruption agenda.

    2019, Documents, Web Page

  3. Recommendations on Lobbying for OGP Action Plans

    , Outbound Link, Web Page

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