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The Role of Electoral Management Bodies

The Role of Electoral Management Bodies . In Political Parties and Campaign Financing in Belize. Belize has two Electoral Management Bodies . The Elections and Boundaries Commission. The Elections and Boundaries Department . Each EMB is a separate, legal entity. .

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The Role of Electoral Management Bodies

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  1. The Role of Electoral Management Bodies In Political Parties and Campaign Financing in Belize

  2. Belize has two Electoral Management Bodies • The Elections and Boundaries Commission. • The Elections and Boundaries Department . • Each EMB is a separate, legal entity.

  3. The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) • Formed 1978 and was fully responsible for administration and staffing. • Functions and appointments were amended in 1988. • Commission now comprises of one Chairperson and four members. • Appointments are done by the Governor General in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition

  4. Functions of the Commission • Electoral Administration • The direction and supervision of voters registration • The conduct of Election • The general direction and supervision over administrative conduct of Elections • Enforce conduct that is compliance with the ordinance • Boundary Delimitation • Act as a Boundary Delimitation Commission • Voters Education • Increase awareness & participation

  5. THE ELECTIONS AND BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT • Established 1989 • Amendment to the Constitution transfer all staff matters to the Public Service Com. • Jurisdiction of the Chief Election Officer was transferred to the Public Service Com • Chief Election Officer is responsible for the department and day-to-day operation of all phases of the electoral process.

  6. Functions of the Department • Electoral Administration • Organizing and directing the registration of voters • Compiling electoral registers • Updating and maintaining electoral records • Organizing the conduct of elections • Transfer of Electors • Adjustment of Electoral Records at Boundary Redistricting

  7. Goal & Objective of Department • To encourage public participation, forge partnerships and to provide efficient and effective service delivery. • Objective • To operate a professional electoral service • To strengthen public confidence in the electoral system • To increase the level of voter participation through voter education

  8. Performance • Historically Commission has proven to be • Effectiveness in carrying out its mandate • Generally perceive to be neutral • Foster confidence in the electoral process • Weakness • Perceive manipulation by Incumbent Governments • Perceive reluctance to share information with CSOs • Limited scope of oversight over political parties and campaign financing

  9. Political Parties & Campaign Finance • Political Parties • The Laws of Belize requires registration of • Companies, Banks, Trade Unions, & Cooperatives • The Laws of Belize Do Not Require registration of • Political Parties which can run the business • Registration of Directors of Political parties • Disclosure of party financing • Reporting of their financial affairs • Accountability to any oversight body

  10. Political Parties & Campaign Finance • Yet • Political parties manage the business of the nation • Take responsibility for borrowing and administering billions of dollars on behalf of the people • There are no laws governing Political Parties and Campaign Financing in Belize

  11. Problem Associated with Campaign Financing in Belize • Election are privately funded • No caps on spending • No obligation to declare – donor or party • Abuse of public resources by incumbent politicians • Undue influence on government by large donors • Disproportionate financing - skewed influence

  12. Key Questions • How do we prevent the wealthy from dominating and unfairly determining electoral and political outcomes? • Should limits be placed on contribution from: • Interest and Advocacy Groups • Major Companies • Wealthy Individual Investors

  13. Risk Associated With Campaign Financing • Money Laundering • Asset Laundering • Drug Trafficking • Corruption • Influencing of Elections (bribery) • Undermining of Democracy • Lack of Accountability (non-disclosure) • Undue influence on Government & Policy

  14. Recommendations • Need for more Transparency laws • Criteria for selection & election of leaders • An enforceable code of conduct for elected officials • A mechanism for holding political parties and elected officials accountable to the people

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