This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Can you provide an overview of and background to recent measures taken to address political corruption in Kosovo? We are particularly interested in elections, political party financing, codes of conduct, asset declaration, immunity, conflict of interest and lobbying.
Content
1. Overview of political corruption in Kosovo
2. Elections
3. Party financing
4. Immunity
5. Codes of conduct for politicians
6. Conflict of interest rules
7. Asset declaration rules
8. References
Summary
Since Kosovo’s independence, the fight against corruption has been among the priorities of the international community and more recently of the Kosovar government. In particular, corruption within the political and electoral process is seen as one of the greatest challenges as it has pervasive consequences for the country’s social and economic development. Political corruption has been defined as the manipulation of policies, institutions and rules of procedure in the allocation of resources and financing by political decision-makers.
2013 was a year of several reforms as well as achievements. The first uniform municipal elections were conducted without major drawbacks, an amendment to the Law on Political Party Financing was promulgated, and amendments to the Law on Conflicts of Interest and Asset Declarations were also approved in the first readings. However, there were no developments with regard to the electoral reform process initiated in 2011 or with regard to the code of conduct for members of the government.
In spite of this progress, the implementation and enforcement of the current rules remain overall a serious problem, and the low track record of punishment of high-level senior officials involved in corruption or failing to comply with the law supports the culture of impunity permeating the country.
Authors
Maíra Martini, Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Marie Chêne; Casey Kelso, Transparency International
Date
30/03/2014
