Overview  

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable.  

We are a problem-solving, practitioner-led organisation that offers:  

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues;  
• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support the full spectrum of institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies; and    
• International elections observation on behalf of the UK.   

Aim of this Request for Proposals  

WFD invites interested individuals, firms, or research teams to submit short technical and financial proposals to conduct qualitative research on the cost of politics in Solomon Islands, with a particular focus on the challenges and impacts it poses for youth, persons with disabilities and women's political participation and engagement.  

Proposal submission  

All proposals should be submitted by Wednesday 11th December in writing, must comply with the requirements of this Call, and must include the information requested in the Proposal Requirements below.  

The proposal should be sent electronically and addressed to Vatina Devesi at Vatina.Devesi@wfd.org and cc-ed to Naomi Barnard at Naomi.Barnard@wfd.org 

The same email addresses should be used for any questions related to this Call.

WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies can be found WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies and WFD’s Code of Conduct.  

Introduction

To hold nationwide elections and sustain political campaigns, both key elements of any democracy, requires resources. Increasingly important, money may not guarantee electoral success, however, those with limited funds rarely win elections. How that money is raised and spent, as well as who receives it and how, are important but under-researched questions.  

The “cost of politics” approach focuses on the spending of individuals contesting for political office rather than those of political parties. It is broad in its scope, aiming to cover expenditures incurred across the election cycle: following the money spent, from the candidate selection phase to the end of an individual's elected tenure.  

The approach attempts to better understand what factors drive individual choices when it comes to spending funds on politics. In doing so, it can help explain why there is a divergence between stated rules and regulations and their implementation or lack thereof and provide a clearer indication of the obstacles to regulating and curbing, or better monitoring, spending on political campaigns.

The “cost of politics” has escalated with the greater political competition offered by multi-party democratic systems. Demands, from constituents, political parties, and other stakeholders on legislators to deliver personalised goods throughout the election cycle contributes to the erosion of vertical accountability - citizens role in holding their leaders to account - and horizontal accountability – internal checks and oversight processes. This, leads to issues like increased corruption, exclusion and disillusionment to name some of the implications that existing studies conducted in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America have uncovered. For more see www.costofpolitics.net 

Objective

The study aims to gather data on the indicative costs, and implications of seeking and holding political office in Solomon Islands, with a focus on the recent national elections in April 2024.  

It is envisaged that the study will be used to deepen the understanding of electoral incentives; stimulate national dialogue; inform legal and policy advocacy, particularly electoral reform processes; and improve democratic participation, particularly for youth, PWDs and women ahead of future elections. The following key questions will underpin this research:

1. What are the primary social, economic, and political factors driving the cost of politics at the parliamentary elections?  
2. What specific costs are incurred during the electoral cycle at this level?  
3. How do these costs influence the participation of structurally disadvantaged and special interest groups, including youth, women, and persons living with disabilities, in electoral politics?  
4. How does the cost of politics affect development policymaking or decision-making?
5. What legal, policy, and programming options are available to mitigate or regulate the costs of politics in Solomon Islands?

Context

In Solomon Islands, it has been identified that there is limited policy-centred governance, elected politics is driven by the election of individuals based on ethnicity and patronage rather than policy programmes or political party manifestos. Several constituencies are known to elect a leader based on their ethnicity, which in constituencies of multiple ethnicities typically swings from one to another to allow each ethnic community to benefit in turn.  

There is also gender discrimination and barriers to entry in Parliament. Since Solomon Islands gained independence the highest number of women politicians in any parliament is four (4). Consecutive governments have discussed but never implemented a policy of reserving 10 seats for women. Conversations with senior parliamentary leaders demonstrated significant barriers to their entry into politics by a deep scepticism as to the worth and value of doing so. This scepticism extends beyond politics. It is quite hard for many to accept women taking up powerful positions outside of the home. Yet, there are limited indications that the climate is ripe or supportive for ordinary women without the backing of powerful connections to enter political races.  

Considering the above, there is a need to better understand what factors drive individual choices when it comes to spending money in politics in order to strengthen the regulatory framework around money in politics and raise broader public consensus around the need to bolster electoral integrity.  

WFD intends to recruit a local consultant/firm to conduct this study under the advice and guidance of international experts. This will be part of a larger body of research conducted by WFD into the cost of politics across the globe (www.costofpolitics.net). 

Research Scope  

WFD is seeking a consultant/firm to submit technical and financial proposals for conducting research on the cost of politics on inclusive political participation in the Solomon Islands.  

WFD has supported a growing body of research into the "Cost of Politics." Based on this tested and set methodology which focuses on the spending of individuals running for political office, rather than that of political parties also covering expenditure incurred throughout the election cycle, tracking the cost monetary and in kind from a candidate’s decision to stand for office at the party primary phase to the end of their elected tenure.

The approach seeks to develop a better understanding of the factors driving individual spending on politics. This can help explain discrepancies between stated rules and their implementation, and provide clearer insights into the challenges of regulating, curbing, or better monitoring spending on political campaigns.  

WFD collaborates with country experts to conduct cost of politics research that explores the context and unique drivers of parliamentary politics costs in specific countries. The study involves collecting and analysing indicative costs through a representative quantitative survey and qualitative discussions for different phases of seeking and maintaining political office.  

The research aims to outline potential solutions to reduce the costs of politics, which increasingly obstruct ordinary, well-qualified citizens from contesting for political office and contribute significantly to the under-representation of women in politics. Building on previous findings, evidence gathered over nearly a decade of study indicate that , female candidates, with less access to financial and political capital than their male counterparts, find themselves at a disadvantage when financial resources are a deciding factor, The continuity of these findings attest to the  systemic nature of the monetization of politics.. In many countries studied, women are self-selecting out of politics due to insufficient resources to run a credible campaign. Additionally, factors such as misogyny and violence deter women candidates, leading those who do run to come from a small, elite group. This exclusion results in a legislature that lacks diversity and fails to represent a broad cross-section of the population, leading to the alienation of under-represented groups.  

Recommendations from a cost of politics study in Solomon Islands will focus on identifying opportunities for key actors—such as political parties, the electoral management body, and Parliament—to address these systemic issues and create a more supportive environment for candidates from disadvantaged groups.  

Exclusion is a significant impact of the rising costs of politics. Previous studies by WFD have also highlighted how these costs can increase voter disillusionment with elected representatives and drive officials to engage in corrupt or non-transparent activities to recoup the large expenses incurred during elections. By raising awareness among the public and decision-makers about the consequences for democracy and equality, WFD aims to stimulate a thorough discussion on the influence of money in politics and what needs to change. The cost of politics methodology builds on a brief review of relevant literature but primarily focuses on gathering and analysing primary data, both qualitative and quantitative. 

Scope of Work

1. With WFD’s expert guidance, the Consultant shall apply WFD’s existing methodology to evaluate the cost of politics when designing and conducting the study.  
2. The Consultant shall design appropriate research tools to be used during the data gathering process.  
3. The Consultant shall conduct desk research and conduct surveys, hold key informant interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders to gather data for the study. Data collection focuses on candidate selection, electoral campaign and a politician's time in office. For datasets, there should be a mix of respondents: those who lost in the elections and those who won. Balancing first-time contestants, previously unsuccessful candidates, and those seeking re-election is also encouraged, as this helps in understanding the costs associated with holding elected office. To ensure cost efficiency while maintaining diverse representation, interviews with key informants located outside the capital should preferably be conducted via video conferencing.  
4. The Consultant shall draft a research report that identifies the current drivers of the cost of politics, illustrates its implications on parliamentary politics with particular emphasis on the barriers it poses on inclusive political participation, and provide recommendations. The Consultant shall also provide an overview of the existing legal framework that governs political finance.  
5. The Consultant shall provide regular updates and seek guidance from WFD’s expert to ensure that the quality of the final product is on par with the project’s other research offerings.  
6. The Consultant shall present the research findings and recommendations at roundtable meetings organised by WFD.     

Timeline and Deliverables

Reporting  

The Consultant is expected to report to the WFD Solomon Islands team after each deliverable and on a regular basis as agreed upon.  

Working arrangements  

The consultant will work remotely and closely with the WFD Solomon Islands Country Director and Senior Programmes Manager, Asia-Pacific and Americas.

Payments  

The Consultant will submit invoices which  

1. state the number of days worked during the relevant period,  
2. include a timesheet with detailed description of the tasks completed, and;  
3. attach receipts for any agreed expenses.  

Payments will be made within 30 days of receipt by WFD of a valid invoice. Payments shall be made as per the payment plan proposed in the financial proposal and aligned to the deliverables stated above.  

Minimum experience and expertise  

The Consultant/Firm should have experience conducting similar studies in Solomon Islands or Asia/Pacific region. Team members should have the following qualifications and skills:  

• The lead researcher should hold a postgraduate or advanced university degree (preferably a PhD) in political science, public policy, or another relevant domain. Previous management of a research team is highly preferred.
• A member of the team should have experience of conducting qualitative interviews with political stakeholders.  
• A member should have experience leading focus group discussions with political stakeholders.  
• Conceptual and practical knowledge of politics and electoral democracy.  
• Strong writing and analytical skills in English.
• Conceptual and practical knowledge of politics and electoral democracy in Solomon Islands and/or Asia/Pacific is required.  

Proposal process

Proposal requirements  

In general, the proposal should include the following:  

1. Profile  
2. Narrative proposal (proposed solution and how it meets the specification/scope and deliverables)    
3. Financial proposal    
4. References

Individual profile:    

• If the expert is currently registered with WFD’s Expert Roster, the expert should refer to this in the proposal and no further information is required.  
• If the expert is not currently registered with the Expert Roster, the expert should provide a C.V. or information in the proposal document including:  
• A summary of their professional biography and relevant career history/record of assignments; and    
• case studies/credentials demonstrating relevant experience and skills profile    

Proposed solution:    

A detailed narrative proposal with clear explanation as to the proposed approach to meeting the specification set out in this Call and detailed project plan, including timelines, assumptions and dependencies, resourcing, and risks.  Please note a 10-page limit applies to all narrative proposals. Narrative proposals must include the following sections:  

• Executive summary  
• Introduction (up to 2 page): this should introduce the applicant(s) and set out the researcher(s)’ understanding of the assignment, as well as clearly identify any departure from the terms of reference.  
• Approach and methodology (up to 2 pages): this should present and justify the research approach and methods, whilst also clearly noting any limitations. Proposals should clearly describe how they will foster participation during the research.  
• Research organisation (up to 2 pages): This section should detail how the research will integrate a sufficient level of quality assurance and include a schedule of key tasks and activities.    
• Qualifications and competence of the expert(s) and/or organisation (up to 4 pages): Proposals are expected to clearly nominate a Team Leader or Lead Consultant who will act as the primary point of contact with WFD. If including other roles, proposals should describe how the roles and experience of the team are relevant to this assignment.

Financial proposal:    

• Full breakdown of time and cost estimates for the proposed solution in the currency of the Expert’s preferred accounts payable account, including any daily rate to be applied.  
• Separate accounting of VAT and/or any other applicable tax, duty, or charge.    
• Detailing of any discount applied in view of WFD’s not-for-profit status. 

References:  

• If the expert is currently registered with WFD’s Expert Roster, the expert should refer to this in the proposal and no further information is required.  
• If the expert is not currently registered with the Expert Roster, the expert should include details of at least three references relating to similar expert services provided in the last three years.  

Queries about this Call  

Any questions related to this Call should be addressed to Vatina Devesi at Vatina.Devesi@wfd.org and cc-ed to Naomi Barnard at Naomi.Barnard@wfd.org   

Equal information  

Should any potential expert raise a question that is of general interest, WFD reserves the right to circulate both question and answer to other respondents, either via WFD’s website or by email. In this event, anonymity will be maintained.  

Other information  

If the potential expert believes that there is additional information that has not been requested in the Call but is relevant to your proposal, please include that information as a separate attachment and explain its relevance to this Call.