The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) has launched an international tender for an experienced consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive organizational needs assessment and develop a tailor-made hybrid financial management system, as the country prepares for the next combined local council and parliamentary elections.
The 15-day assignment, with a submission deadline of 22 December 2025, aims to significantly strengthen the NEC’s financial governance, procurement processes, warehouse and asset management, and overall operational efficiency.
Since the adoption of the Somaliland Constitution through a popular referendum in 2001, the country has built a strong track record in democratic practice, successfully conducting ten national elections without major incident: three local council elections (2002, 2012, 2021), three presidential elections (2003, 2010, 2017), one additional presidential election in 2024, parliamentary elections in 2005 and 2021, and the 2024 political parties’ primary election.
With voter registration for the forthcoming twin elections already in the planning stage, the NEC is prioritizing the modernization of its financial systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and auditability, and smooth budget execution during large-scale electoral operations.
Key components of the assignment include:
*A detailed inception phase and financial needs assessment covering headquarters in Hargeisa and regional offices
*Development of a secure hybrid (web-based + offline/local access) financial management system specifically designed for non-profit electoral operations and expenditure
*Customization of existing accounting software
*Development of updated finance and procurement manuals and standard operating procedures
*Hands-on capacity building for NEC finance, procurement, warehouse, and asset-management staff
The new system must mirror the NEC’s organizational structure, support multi-level approval workflows, generate real-time financial reports, and remain fully auditable, and function reliably in environments with intermittent internet connectivity, a common challenge in Somaliland’s regions.
Interested consulting firms with proven experience in financial system development for electoral bodies or similar public/non-profit institutions in fragile or post-conflict settings are invited to submit bids by 22 December 2025.
The tender marks another step in Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its independent institutions as it continues to pursue international recognition while consolidating its home-grown democratic achievements.