The role of money in politics is an issue of daily debate in old and new democracies alike. The ways that parties get access to money can influence the outcome of elections, determine the relationship between party leaders and members, affect the number of women elected and condition the level of public trust as a whole. The IDEA Handbook is designed to encourage informed public debate. It looks at the strengths and weaknesses of the different national laws and regulations from a regional perspective. It analyses the problems of enforcement and the opportunities for effective public disclosure of funds.--