A year ago, dogs in a Moldovan airport were sniffing out large amounts of cash on passengers arriving via flights from Moscow. “People who had never left Moldova before were returning from a few days in Russia with wads of notes” reported the BBC “…police and prosecutors began seizing the cash. In one day alone they say they scooped $1.5m (£1.2m). The authorities believe the cash mules were part of a major and ongoing operation to buy political influence run by a fugitive Moldovan oligarch named Ilan Shor.”

A few weeks ago, the UK Government announced new sanctions targeting “corrupt actors undermining democratic governments.” Among those sanctioned were Evrazia, a Russian non-profit, used by Shor to bribe 130,000 Moldovan citizens with a total of $15 million to vote “no” in a referendum on whether the country should amend the Constitution to include the Moldovan citizens' wish for EU membership.

This is a jaw-dropping example of a deeply concerning global trend.

From anonymous donations to foreign interference and misuse of public resources, the way political finance operates today often allows vested and opaque interests with deep pockets to wield the most power at the expense of the general public. The illicit and/or disproportionate financial influence on the political decision-making process distorts the democratic process.

But, in over 100 countries, there are no limits on donations to candidates, allowing wealthy individuals and corporations to disproportionately influence outcomes. And – as of 2023 – many countries either did not mandate publication of campaign finance data or failed to ensure that such data was meaningful, timely, and accessible.

The impact goes beyond distorting the vote. Financial barriers, for example, play a significant role in keeping women out of politics. WFD’s work, particularly our research on the cost of politics, has highlighted how the lack of financial integrity in political systems deters participation, fuels inequality, and distorts representation.

So, what can we do about it?

Standards for Integrity in Political Finance

Westminster Foundation for Democracy was a partner in developing new Standards for Integrity in Political Finance , through a global process led by Transparency International (TI).

They offer an ambitious yet actionable blueprint to help restore public trust in politics and create a more level playing field for democratic participation.

The Standards for Integrity in Political Finance are built around six core principles:

1. Transparency – calling for the publication of campaign finance data
2. Clean money – calling for "know-your-donor" requirements and criminal liability for illicit financing and vote-buying, protecting against corruption and organised crime.
3. Level playing field – calling for donation and spending limits and public funding to support all candidates fairly
4. Gender equality – calling for targeted funding, disaggregated reporting, and campaign protections to enable greater participation of women and other underrepresented groups
5. State neutrality – calling for explicit bans on the misuse of public funds for campaign and the empowering of oversight bodies to investigate and sanction violations
6. Accountability – calling for monitoring and enforcing political finance regulations. Oversight bodies must be empowered to verify and publish financial reports.

Each addresses a specific set of governance challenges, and together they form a cohesive framework for political finance reform.

From principles to practice

These are not abstract ideals. They are actionable reforms. Over 50 recommendations are laid out in the standards, offering governments concrete steps to tackle corruption risks. Some early adopters are already taking note:

• Zambia is currently considering a model bill informed by the Global Standards.
• Ghanaian civil society is embarking on advocacy to update its Political Parties Act (2002) using the new benchmarks.
• In Greenland, recommendations from the standards have been integrated into political finance reforms, looking at restricting foreign donations.
• In Australia, the standards have guided proposals for new party finance laws, with a focus on donation limits.

The adaptable standards do not impose a single model. They provide a flexible foundation tailored to national contexts, making them especially valuable for countries undergoing democratic transition or strengthening.

WFD’s role

Following our involvement in drafting these standards, WFD is supporting their implementation in helping to advance a more transparent and equitable democratic culture, for instance in Sri Lanka as well as in Indonesia, Nigeria and Moldova.

A call to action

Ahead of the upcoming Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), WFD is joining Transparency International and other partners in calling on governments, oversight bodies, and civil society to adopt and champion these reforms. UNCAC presents a unique opportunity to anchor these principles in international commitments.

Democracy cannot function without fairness, and fairness is impossible without financial integrity. Political finance is the bloodstream of democratic life. If it is contaminated, the system sickens. These standards are a prescription for a healthier democratic system: one that gives voice to all its citizens, not just those that pay.

The standards are not just about cleaner money. They are about cleaner politics. And in an age where faith in democratic institutions is faltering, such integrity has never been more essential. For countries seeking to renew trust, empower citizens, and build sustainable democracies, these standards offer a way forward.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.