Towards Standards for Integrity in Political Finance

Description

This discussion paper advances a comprehensive framework for strengthening integrity in political
finance, responding to persistent global challenges of opacity, illicit funding, unequal competition
and weak enforcements. Drawing on extensive consultation and Transparency International’s
Standards for Integrity in Political Finance, it proposes six interdependent principles – transparency,
clean money, a level playing field, gender equality, state neutrality, and accountability – to address
systemic vulnerabilities across political finance regimes. The paper documents widespread gaps in
disclosure, ineffective oversight, misuse of state resources, and structural barriers faced by women
and underrepresented groups. It outlines detailed policy options aimed at enhancing reporting,
regulating donations and expenditures, curbing foreign and illicit influence, safeguarding gender
inclusion, and empowering independent oversight bodies to ensure compliance and deter
corruption.

Authors

Jorge Valladares and Jon Vrushi

Date

12/12/2025

Tags