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.

The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Formed 1978 and was fully responsible for administration and staffing. Functions and appointments were amended in 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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