Resolution adopted by the ELDR Congress 2008 in Stockholm

Full access to information on the work of elected officials

The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, convening in Stockholm, Sweden, on 30^th and 31^st October 2008:

-        Denounces the progressive erosion of the freedom of circulation of ideas. Oligopolistic systems of power restrict freedom of information, which seriously limits the opportunities for citizens to appreciate different political views and make informed contributions to political processes;

-        Whereas informed decisions should guide citizens whenever they are asked to cast a vote;

-        Considering that the right to be always fully informed, especially on the occasions of political elections and consultations is a cornerstone of liberal-democratic regimes.

Calls for all ELDR members to work to comprehensively apply the right for people to be fully and timely informed by national media whose objectivity and independence should always be pursued.

Urges the ELDR Secretariat and its Member Parties to encourage the transparency of legislative and administrative activities of their elected officials through www.eldr.eu.  The website should become a multi-media portal that allows full access both to the Member Parties homepages as well as to those of the individuals elected in "Lists" that are connected to ELDR Member Parties.

Decides to make this "full access to information on the work of elected officials" a common point for the 2009 European Elections.