UN Convention against Corruption requires state parties to enhance transparency in the funding of candidatures for elected public offices and the funding of political parties, Article 7(3).

AU Convention against Corruption requires state parties to proscribe the use of funds acquired through illegal and corrupt practices to finance political parties; incorporate the principle of transparency into political party funding, Article 10.

Council of Europe, Recommendation on common rules against corruption in the funding of political parties and electoral campaigns

Council of Europe, Recommendation on the financing of political parties

Council of Europe, Resolution on the financial transparency of the political parties and their democratic functioning at regional level

Principles for Election Management, Monitoring, and Observation in the SADC Region

TI Global Corruption Report 2004

TI Global Corruption Barometer
2003 and 2004 editions point to political parties as being perceived as the most corrupt institution in three of four countries surveyed, followed by parliaments. The 2004 Barometer polled 50,000 people in 60 countries.

Global Integrity Report
Published on-line by the Center for Public Integrity. In-depth analysis of the precise extent of openness, accountability and governance in 25 countries that hold elections.

International IDEA, Handbook on Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns

USAID, Money in Politics Handbook
A Guide to Increasing Transparency in Emerging Democracies

Brookings Institution Page on campaign finance reform
Articles, important links, and an on-line Sourcebook on Campaign Finance Reform

NDI: Money in Politics
A study of party financing practices in 22 countries

Open Society Justice Initiative, Monitoring Election Campaign Finance
A Handbook for NGOs