Party and election campaign finance transparency

Besides public finances distributed to political parties in accordance with applicable national laws, politicians usually receive financial or in-kind contributions from private donors such as individuals, organisations, interest groups and corporations, to cover different political activities such as electoral campaign costs and day to day functioning.

Political finance transparency involves the requirement for election candidates and political parties to disclose information regarding how they raise and spend money, including details of their funders. Such public disclosure of political party and campaign contributions helps prevent private donors from unduly influencing a country’s elections or political leadership.

In addition, the disclosures help to inform voters about relevant public or private financing of political parties and election campaigns, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their preferred political party or candidate.