BS
Description of the Subject of the Call for Proposals
The subject of this call for proposals is the development of an online reporting platform for election observers participating in the civic, non-partisan election observation mission for the 2026 General Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections “Pod lupom”. The assignment includes the development of an IT system for reporting and providing an independent assessment of Election Day.
The assignment will be based on the following information regarding the election observation mission:
- There are approximately 5,400 regular polling stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- It is estimated that the statistically representative sample of polling stations for election observation, according to the SBO/PVT methodology, will include between 900 and 1,000 polling stations (16–18% of the total number of regular polling stations).
- The non-partisan, citizen-based election observation mission will include up to 200 additional polling stations outside the SBO/PVT sample (so-called critical polling stations). The data analysis conducted within this contract should specifically distinguish these polling stations.
- This engagement entails the development of an IT reporting system that will be used by observers in real time on Election Day. The system will include field reporting through SMS messages, online reporting, and reporting through a call centre.
- Observer reporting forms will contain up to 100 questions, and responses may include pre-defined answer options or numerical values.
- The response analysis module will enable access to each individual response through the online reporting form, as well as provide absolute and percentage values of polling stations from which all responses have been received.
- The sampling of polling stations that will be used as a representative sample for an objective assessment of Election Day will be based on the SBO/PVT methodology, which is one of the most recognized methodologies for independent election observation worldwide.
The engagement includes:
- Sampling of polling stations based on a statistically representative sample according to the SBO/PVT methodology or an equivalent methodology (including PVT projections of election results) for the 2026 General Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Development of an IT system and databases for observer reporting, both for periodic reporting before the elections and real-time reporting on Election Day, including automated processing of statistical data and relevant staff training;
- Technical support to the election observation process for the 2026 General Elections, with a particular focus on observer reporting on Election Day.
Offers should be submitted via email to: info@podlupom.org
The deadline for submission of applications is 31 July 2026 at 16:00 (CET).
Download the full Call for Proposals: POZIV ZA DOSTAVLJANJE PONUDA
Responses to questions received during the Public Call
QUESTION 1.
Sampling methodology (SBO/PVT). The specification foresees that the Contractor determines a representative sample according to the SBO/PVT methodology. Given that the Coalition “Pod lupom” already applies a developed methodology, we kindly request confirmation of the preferred approach:
a) The Coalition provides the methodological framework (stratification, sample size, projection method), and the Contractor implements it; or
b) The Contractor independently designs the sample and PVT estimation, subject to subsequent validation by the Coalition.
ANSWER:
The Contracting Authority provides input information and criteria for sampling polling stations (e.g. application of the SBO/PVT methodology, between 900 and 1,000 polling stations in the sample, a 95% confidence level, etc.).
More information can be found in the “Call for Proposals” in the sections “Description of the subject of the call”, “The engagement includes” and “Other technical specifications”.
QUESTION 2.
SMS / telecom costs. Receiving coded SMS messages requires a service (short) number from the operator. We kindly request clarification on whether the costs of leasing the number and per-message traffic are borne by the Contracting Authority or the Contractor, and whether such a number has already been secured.
ANSWER:
All accompanying costs of observer reporting on election day are borne by the Contractor, including the costs of leasing the number and per-message traffic. Numbers for observer reporting have not been secured.
QUESTION 3.
Reporting forms. The specification states that all forms developed by the project team will be integrated into the system. We kindly request an indicative timeline for when the forms and their final structure will be delivered, so that we can align them with the system readiness plan before election day.
ANSWER:
Exact deadlines and the method of service delivery will be agreed in a timely manner between the Contracting Authority and the bidder at a later stage. The Contracting Authority will endeavor to provide all necessary information and supporting documents for the smooth delivery of services as soon as possible. However, certain circumstances do not depend on the Contracting Authority and are closely linked to the “Instruction on deadlines and sequence of electoral activities for the General Elections 2026” issued by the Central Election Commission of BiH.
More information can be found in the “Call for Proposals” in the section “Deadline and method of service delivery”.
