Executive Summary 5

Introduction 7

Asian and global standards 7

Methodology 8

Principle 1: Transparency 9

Key findings 9

  1.1. Bookkeeping obligations 9

  1.2. Reporting obligations 9

  1.3. Publication of political finance information 10

Principle 2: Clean money 12

Key findings 12

  2.1. Donations through the banking system 12

  2.2. Bans and sanctions against vote buying 13

  2.3. Reporting obligations for third parties influencing election results 13

  2.4. Closing loopholes for anonymous donations 13

  2.5. Online political advertising 14

  2.6. Corporate political donations 14

  2.7. Foreign donations 15

Principle 3: Level playing field 17

Key findings 17

  3.1. Restrictions on donations and spending 17

  3.2. Direct and indirect public financing 18

  3.3. Media access 18

  3.4. Public funding to support underrepresented groups 19

Principle 4: Gender equality 21

Key findings 21

  4.1. Targeted financial measures to increase women’s representation 21

  4.2. Publication of gender disaggregated information 22

  4.3. Financial barriers against women’s political participation 22

Principle 5: State neutrality 24

Key findings 24

  5.1. Prohibition of the misuse of state resources for electoral purposes 24

  5.2. Declaration and reimbursement of costs associated with the use of state resources 25

  5.3. Oversight of abuse of state resources 25

  5.4. Ensuring neutrality of state authorities involved in election campaigns 25

Principle 6: Accountability 27

Key findings 27

  6.1. Establishing effective oversight bodies 27

  6.2. Promoting interagency cooperation 28

  6.3. Strengthening sanctions and ensuring their enforcement 28

  6.4. Encouraging participation from society in campaign finance monitoring 29

Principle 6: Accountability 27

Recommendations 32

References 34

Acknowlegdment 40

Annex: Assessment questionnaire 41

Endnotes 43