How much does it cost to run for office, and what does this actually mean for the health of our democracies? WFD’s Cost of Politics reports analyse the financial aspects of running for political office in various countries, focusing on how much individuals spend throughout the election process. Instead of only looking at party spending, the reports examine the costs that candidates incur from the beginning of their electoral campaign to the end of their elected term. The reports aim to gain a deeper understanding of why candidates spend the money they do, how these expenses impact electoral democracy, and the challenges of regulating these expenditures. As these reports demonstrate, women and less affluent groups face unique challenges when running for office. Additionally, the reports consider how pressure from various stakeholders can undermine accountability in politics.
As part of this effort, the WYDE Civic Engagement project has supported several reports from Sierra Leone, Congo, Liberia, Senegal, and Thailand to explore the relationship between political campaign spending and democratic integrity. This research aligns with the Youth Democracy Cohort’s (YDC) commitment to ensuring that young people have equal opportunities to participate in political processes, influence policymaking, and promote youth engagement through resources, expertise, and research.
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy, in partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, are conducting research to uncover the true cost of politics in different countries. These reports are supported by the EU-funded WYDE Civic Engagement project, led by European Partnership for Democracy, which aims to strengthen youth involvement in democratic processes at all levels. As part of the WYDE initiative, the Youth Democracy Cohort brings together civil society actors, governments, and the private sector to promote good governance and youth political engagement.
