The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has been directed to review and amend its tender for the supply and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) found that some sections of the tender document contained unclear and insufficiently objective requirements and evaluation criteria. The electoral agency has consequently been ordered to correct the identified shortcomings and issue a revised tender document.
Board Flags Concerns Over Tender Requirements
The disputed tender, referenced as IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027, covers the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the IEMS. The contract also includes the provision of hardware equipment and related accessories.
Galadirel Investment Limited challenged aspects of the procurement process before the Board, prompting a review of the tender requirements. In its determination, the Board identified concerns surrounding the clarity and objectivity of certain requirements, including provisions relating to ownership of hardware and technology.
Tender Must Meet Procurement Rules
The Board noted that tender documents must clearly communicate to potential bidders what is required and how their submissions will be evaluated. It warned that unclear requirements and evaluation criteria could undermine the principles of transparency, fairness, equal treatment and competitiveness provided for under Article 227 of the Constitution and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. However, the Board declined to cancel the tender, determining that the shortcomings could be resolved through corrections, clarifications and amendments.
IEBC Given Time to Revise Tender
IEBC has been directed to review the affected sections and publish a new compliant tender document. The electoral commission must also give prospective bidders adequate time to study the amendments and prepare their submissions. According to the Board’s directive, the period granted to bidders must not be less than seven days, in line with the applicable legal requirements.
The IEBC has also been allowed to seek technical guidance and assistance from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) while reviewing the disputed sections.
PPRA Not to Set IEMS Specifications
The Board further directed that its decision be forwarded to the Director-General of PPRA for information, monitoring and any further action required under the law. However, it clarified that PPRA should not determine the technical specifications of the IEMS. The responsibility for developing the technical requirements remains with the IEBC as the procuring entity.
Galadirel Review Request Partly Allowed
The Board partially allowed the Request for Review submitted by Galadirel Investment Limited on August 14, 2026. The decision means the IEMS procurement process will proceed, but only after IEBC addresses the issues identified in the tender document and gives prospective bidders sufficient time to respond to the revised requirements. The procurement is expected to be closely watched given the importance of the IEMS to the administration and management of the 2027 General Election.
