Develop Voter Education Material for the 2013 Presidential Elections in Maldives

BACKGROUND

From the period of democratic reforms to the present day, the Maldivian political and economic system, institutions, and society at large have evolved in parallel with rapid changes in many areas of public life, and in the face of significant internal and external pressures. Uncertainty in the political sphere has been a defining feature since the country’s first-ever openly contested Presidential elections in 2008.  The Maldives has since had parliamentary elections in 2009 and the country’s first local council elections in 2011. These elections were deemed by international observers to be peaceful, competitive, transparent and inclusive

The Presidential elections scheduled for September 2013 present an imminent test in the ongoing democratic transition in the Maldives. Two major electoral events (Local government and Parliamentary elections) are planned for December 2013 and early 2014 respectively. These upcoming events provides a major challenge as well as opportunity for the democratic, human rights and justice sector institutions in the Maldives to bring back the country on the road to democracy.  Public confidence and understanding of the electoral process and administration is critical to the acceptance of the upcoming elections. The current voter registry list is estimated to be over 240,0000 (???is this number correct) out of which 30,000 will be new voters.

A credible and inclusive electoral process is of paramount importance to avoid further political tensions and contribute to the long-term consolidation of democracy and political stability in the Maldives. The current political situation is quite complex and the Election Commission of Maldives, other state institutions as well as media and civil society organizations are gearing up to address these complexities and uncertainties. In this context, the Integrated Governance Programme (IGP), UNDP Maldives is providing support to the Elections Commission of the Maldives (EC) and other stakeholders, towards ensuring a free, fair and credible election for the 2013 Presidential Election. One of the key areas of support to the EC is voter education. A high level of public knowledge on voter rights, the election process and administration is critical to a peaceful and credible election. In this regard, the programme is seeking a firm to develop a variety of voter education materials for the upcoming presidential election.

 Annex 2

 DESCRIPTION OF THE VOTER EDUCATION MATERIAL;

• Develop 6 voter education video spots and 3 audio spots.
• Develop and Design voter education booklets  (5-7 pages) for the following target audience
  • One Booklet- General Public
  • One Booklet- Women, Elderly and Disabled
• Develop and Design 5 voter education Posters
• Design voter-education T-shirts with 3 voter information messages 

Please note;

• Topics and content (in local language) will be provided by UNDP for all booklets, Posters and Banners. The Firm will be responsible for developing concept and finalizing script for all the voter education material stated above. All of the material developed must be available in print and online version once there is clearance from UNDP on the concept.
• The audio extract from the video spot should also be made available for radio broadcast. The firm will develop the script and content for pre-selected voter education messages. The video and audio spots should be made available in a form optimal for dissemination through TV/Radio broadcast and social media.
• UNDP must be involved at each stage of the development process, including the concept development stage and the draft version of all material must be endorsed by UNDP prior to finalization.
• All of the material developed must be made available in print and online versions.

1. EXPECTED OUTPUTS

• The firm should submit an initial timeline for developing and delivering the voter education material. All the video and audio spots must be final by mid-July with the rest delivered by end July. Delay in deliverable will result in a penalty.
• 6 Video spots (2 DVDs), approved by UNDP ( 25% of Payment)
  • Video and audio track submitted for the video spots
  • 30 seconds long,
  • Specification: Full HD 1920 X 1080 – 25FPS – should also provide this video as a high Resolution H264.MOV file. 
• 3 Audio spots in broadcast and online format (2 DVDs), approved by UNDP (25% of Payment)
  • 30 seconds long
  • Specification: a minimum of 128 Bit Rate
• 5 Voter education Poster designs in Print format ( 2 DVDs),approved by UNDP (25% of Payment)
  • A4 size
  • Colour Print
  • Specification: Illustrator file, Photoshop file or EPS
• Design and Printing of T-Shirts with different 3 voter information message (2 DVDs), approved by UNDP (25% of Payment)
  • 3000 T-shirts printed for each message
  • Message printed in Black colour.
  • Specification: Illustrator file, Photoshop file or EPS        
    

1. TIMELINE

All project deliverables must be completed within a period of one upon signing the agreement.

1. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Diploma in mass communication, marketing, business studies and/or similar field
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in developing/designing marketing strategies to specified target audiences
• Extensive experience developing video and audio communication materials
• Demonstrated ability of timely completion of assignments
• Demonstrated ability to work in a cross-cultural environment
• At least one member of the team must be a Maldivian, who is able to edit and review the voter education material content

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
   

Quotations should include the following:

1. CV(s) of individuals responsible for the project
2. Three references from previous clients
3. Understanding of the assignment and proposed structure/methodology.
4. Detailed financial proposal
5. Timeline of a work schedule.

Please send in your applications to Zeeniya Ahmed via e-mail zeeniya.ahmed@undp.org