The legislator could consider including third-party involvement in the ambit of the draft amendments. The term “third party” refers to both individuals and organisations – including political foundations - not legally tied to any candidate or political party, which, in the course of an election, campaign in support of or in opposition to a candidate or a political party. While third-party involvement in itself contributes to the expression of political pluralism and citizen involvement in political processes, it should be limited, in conformity with the principle of proportionality, to prevent the circumvention of the rules on financing and in particular the prohibition of financing by legal persons. This could be done by: setting limits on individual contributions; expanding Article 24 in order to also include third parties which act on behalf of persons prohibited from giving donations; prescribing comprehensive reporting requirements for third parties and in particular political foundations. In order to promote transparency, legislation should oblige political parties to report on their expenditure. The legislator could envisage introducing similar reporting requirements for third parties not directly associated with political parties.41
