Lithuanian Electoral Code: General Observations and Main Changes in Financing of Political Campaigns

The Electoral Code of the Republic of Lithuania consolidates electoral laws into a unified framework of a constitutional law, seeking to enhance clarity and transparency in electoral processes. Its preparation took almost 13 years and was not easy at all. Key innovations include stricter regulations on political donations, transparency measures, and mandatory disclosure of financial agreements. While the code in some ways marks progress, challenges persist, such as non-regulation of third-party participation and an over-reliance on prohibitions, raising concerns about alignment with international standards. In this article, the author highlights the key characteristics of the code from a constitutional perspective and examines its strengths and challenges in regulating election campaign financing, while offering ideas for future improvements.