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How Other Countries Handle Campaign Finance
Here are some ways other democracies' campaign financing rules differ from the U.S. system. Most countries have looser regulations. In some nations, the laws are widely flouted and easily evaded.
BRITAIN
Candidates for Parliament
Official campaign period lasts only a few weeks.
Any group or individual, including foreigners, can donate to parties or candidates.
Spending is limited for candidates, but not for parties.
Parties are allocated free TV time.
Contributions do not have to be disclosed.
GERMANY
Candidates for parliament (Bundestag)
All financing of candidates is done through political parties. Corporate contributions are legal.
Contributions are tax deductible, up to $3,750 per year.
Parties are allocated free TV time.
The federal treasury gives parties more than 60 percent of their campaign funds. Private or corporate contributions are matched up to a total of $144 million per year.
Contributions under $12,000 do not have to be disclosed.
JAPAN
Candidates for parliament (Diet)
Corporations can contribute directly to candidates.
Annual contribution limits are considerably higher than in the United States. Individuals may give candidates up to $83,000, but no more than $12,000 to a single candidate, and up to $166,000 to parties. Corporate limits range from $62,500 to $833,000, depending on company size.
Contributions under $416 do not have to be disclosed, and loopholes abound to avoid reporting higher donations.
CANADA
Candidates for Parliament
Unions and corporations can contribute directly to candidates and parties.
Contributions are not limited, but spending is. Each candidate's limit depends on the size of the district and ranges from $37,500 to $48,750. In 1993 the two largest parties could spend $7.5 million each.
MEXICO
Candidates for Congress, president
The government provides more than 90 percent of campaign funds. The money is distributed according to how much of the vote each party won in the last election.
TV stations must give the major parties 15 minutes of free air time a month.
Annual contribution limits are considerably higher than in the United States. Individuals and companies may give candidates and parties up to $66,100 a year.
Parties can accept only $13.2 million a year in private donations.
Corruption abounds. In the past, the ruling party has illegally funneled millions of dollars in secret government funds to its candidates.
RUSSIA
Candidates for president
Candidate spending is restricted. In last June's presidential election, the spending limit was $3.5 million.
Enforcement of disclosure requirements is generally lax. President Boris Yeltsin's reelection campaign reportedly attracted tens of millions of dollars that were never reported.
SOURCE: Washington Post correspondents
Note: All dollar amounts based on current exchange rates
© Copyright 1997 The Washington Post Company
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