Slovakia
Question | Value |
---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Act bans receiving donations from organizations with international elements, from natural persons with domicile abroad, from legal persons with offices abroad, from European parties, and from European foundations. Source
Articles 24 (1.d), 24 (1.f), 24 (1.g), and 24 (1.f), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Political Parties Act does not ban corporate donations. Only specific cases like corporations with offices abroad or state ownership. Source
Article 24 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. Article 24 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Political Parties Act does not mention trade unions in the list of not-allowed donors. Source
Article 24 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. Article 24 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Act bans receiving donations from either legal or natural persons if the identification details are not provided. Source
Article 24 (1.h), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. Article 24 (1.h), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
The Political Parties Act does not mention corporations with government contracts in the list of not-allowed donors. Source
Article 24 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Act bans receiving donations from the state, from state organizations, from regional or municipal authorities, from legal persons founded by the state, from legal persons with full or partial state, municipal or regional ownership, and from public institutions. Source
Articles 24 (1.a), 24 (1.b), 24 (1.c), and 24 (1.e), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The State Service Act requires state servants to be politically neutral. Additionally, the Election Campaign Act bans third-party campaigning and requires the public broadcaster to treat election contestants equally. Source
Article 111 (1.b) State Service Act, 2017. |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Source
Article 23 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
Other
Comment
300,000 euros a year. Source
Article 23 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No, but limits for regular periods apply to campaign periods
Source
Article 23 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
Other
Comment
300,000 euros a year. Source
Article 23 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Act allows receiving in-kind donations that get periodically evaluated. The limit is 300,000 euros per year. Source
Article 23 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
No
Comment
These are the allowed commercial activities: operation of publishing houses, publishers and printers; publication and promotional activities; production and sale of items promoting the party's program and activities; organizing educational and political events; performance of party property management. Source
Article 20 (4), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
The Political Parties Act allows political parties to take loans without any restrictions. Source
Article 22 (1.h), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. Article 22 (1.h), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
Comment
Neither the Political Parties and Election Campaign Acts, nor the Public Procurement Act bans donations from donors participating in public procurements. Source
Public Procurement Act, 2015. |
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political parties Act bans in-cash donations. Source
Article 24 (2), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
Question | Value |
---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, both regularly and in relation to campaigns
Comment
- funding for votes (1 % of the monthly average wage for each vote, paid one time); Source
Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28, Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Comment
A political party is eligible to receive public funding if receives 3 % of valid votes in the last parliamentary elections. Source
Articles 26 (1), 27 (1), and 28 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Flat rate by votes received
Proportional to seats received
Comment
- funding for votes (1 % of the monthly average wage for each vote, paid one time); Source
Articles 25, 26, 27, and 28, Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
Other
Comment
According to the legislation, public funding may not be used for: loans and credits to natural persons or legal entities; tacit partnership agreement; the business of a commercial company that the party founded or became its sole partner; as a guarantee for obligations of natural persons or legal entities; and donations. Source
Article 29, Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The public broadcaster is obliged to reserve 10 hours on radio and 10 hours on TV for political debates. Source
Article 10, Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Comment
During the election campaign, the public broadcaster is obliged to devote a maximum of 30 minutes of TV time for each party in the election contest for advertising. The public broadcaster also has to devote 10 hours to TV and 10 hours to radio for political debates. Access to these debates is equal for all contestants. Source
Article 10, Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
These regulations apply only to political parties. Source
Article 10, Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Municipalities are obliged to provide space/boards for election contestants' campaign posters. Additionally, MPs are entitled to free public train transport. Source
Article 16, Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
No legislation promotes gender equality in political representation. |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
|
Question | Value |
---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The criminal code penalizes vote buying as a criminal offense. Source
Article 336a, Criminal Code, 2005. |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The limits apply to election campaigns only. Source
Article 3 (1), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Other
Comment
3,000,000 euros. Source
Article 3 (1), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
|
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
Yes, third parties banned from campaign spending
Comment
The Election Campaign Act bans third parties campaigning. Source
Article 2 (3), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
No legislation sets limits for traditional media advertising spending. |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
No legislation sets limits for online media advertising spending. |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
No
Comment
No legislation sets any restrictions on online media advertising. |
Question | Value |
---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Political Parties Act requires political parties to submit an annual report mostly covering the party's finances. Source
Article 30 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Contestants in elections are obliged by the Election campaign Act to submit a report on campaign financing. Source
Article 4 (1), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
According to the Election Campaign Act, during the pre-election period, the actions of candidates are considered as actions of political parties. Source
Article 3 (10), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
Third parties are banned from participating in campaigns
Comment
The Election Campaign Act bans third parties from campaigning. Source
Article 2 (3), Election Campaign Act, 2014. |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Both, parties' annual and campaign finance reports are publicly available on the web of the Ministry of Interior. For ten and five years, respectively. Source
Article 30 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Donations over a minimum wage multiplied by two. The minimum wage in 2024 is 750 euros. Source
Article 22 (5), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Comment
It applies only to political parties. Source
Article 30 (2), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Comment
It applies only to political parties. Source
Article 30 (2), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
EMB
Comment
State Election Commission. Source
Article 30 (1), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Comment
Report must be examined by an auditor before submitting to the State Election Commission. Source
Article 30 (2.n), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Impose sanctions
Request additional information from potential violator
Comment
Reports must be examined by an auditor before submitting to the State Election Commission. The Commission reviews the report and can require corrections or adding missing information. If not fulfilled, the Commission can inform the Ministry of Finance which suspends public finance. Source
Articles 30 (7), 30 (8), 31 (7), 31 (8), 31 (9), and 31 (10), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Comment
If the reports are not submitted or there is missing information and the political parties do not comply with the State Election Commission demands, the Ministry of Finance suspends public financing. If a party repeats the issue two years in a row, the State Election Commission can request the Ministry of Interior the deregistration of the party. Furthermore, the State Election Commission is also entitled to impose financial sanctions up to 5,000 euros or double the value of the banned donation that the party received. Source
Articles 30 (7), 30 (8), 31 (7), 31 (8), 31 (9), and 31 (10), Political Parties and Political Movements Act, 2005. |