Financing political parties and electoral campaigns in Turkey

Introduction Political finance is the essential factor for maintaining a competitive political system (Burnell 1998, 7).1 There are several instruments for regulating political finance (Petak and Matakovic 2015). First, the sources of income and spending on party finance and election campaigns should be publicly disclosed. Second, both direct and indirect public funding of political parties and election campaigns should be distributed fairly and equally. Third, a limitation or even ban on private donations, including third-party contributions, is necessary to prevent undue influence. Fourth, the abuse of state resources in political finance should be prohibited. Finally, an independent institution to supervise party and election campaigns should be established. © 2018 selection and editorial matter, Sabri Sayari, Pelin Ayan Musil and Özhan Demirkol; individual chapters, the contributors