Consultant for asssess the arrangement of electoral constituencies

Dec 16, 2024

1. Background

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a non-profit and non-governmental civil society organization with more than 175 member organizations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation 1113/2019. CECOE was established with the aim of enhancing and coordinating the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, voter education, preventing electoral conflicts, and providing capacity building and support for its member organizations. CECOE is a committed member of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), a pan-African coordinating platform, and a founding member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), which connects regional networks and individual monitoring organizations across more than 88 countries worldwide. CECOE is currently implementing a project titled ‘Strengthening and promoting democratic processes and peaceful elections through enhanced engagement, capacity, and awareness of electoral stakeholders’ with the financial support from Irish Aid.

Elections are the only legitimate means of assuming state power. However, these elections must be democratic and reflect the true will of the people. To achieve this, the election process should be free, fair, periodic, and based on universal and equal suffrage. Moreover, to ensure proper representation in the electoral process constituencies are demarcated. The demarcation of these constituencies should not be arbitrary but must guarantee fair representation of citizens. At the same time, there should be considerations for convenience for the election administration and for the people to elect their representatives, including the existing administrative boundaries often shaped by various factors. Therefore, the arrangement of electoral constituencies should be regularly reviewed and updated, ideally following each periodic population census. This process ensures that constituency boundaries can be adjusted as necessary to reflect changes including in population.

In Ethiopia, Article 54(2) of the Federal Constitution states that members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPRs), who are representatives of the Ethiopian citizens as a whole, are elected from candidates in each electoral district by a plurality of the votes cast. The Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration, and Election’s Code of Conduct Proclamation further clarifies this provision, stating that to be a member of the HoPRs, the candidate with the highest number of votes among the contestants shall be declared the winner. This means that the electoral system follows the First-Past-the-Post system. Furthermore, the constitution specifies that the number of HoPR members shall not exceed 550, with seats allocated based on population and special representation for minority nationalities and peoples. The House of Federation is the responsible organ for determining which minority nationalities require special representation, based on criteria established in advance.

Despite a constitutional requirement to conduct a national population census every ten years, Ethiopia’s last census was held in 2007. As a result, electoral constituencies have not been adjusted for population changes over a long period, despite increasing calls for such adjustments. Furthermore, in the past seven years, particularly in the now-defunct Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), administrative boundary changes have occurred mainly due to internal secession. These factors have made the Ethiopian constituency arrangement prone to errors, raising concerns about the quality of legislative representation and underscoring the need for a comprehensive scientific study to assess its theoretical and practical implications. Additionally, it is necessary to examine the implementation of the constituency demarcation system to evaluate its effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses, especially in relation to citizens’ right to equal representation and participation. To address this gap, CECOE seeks to hire a consultant(s) to conduct an in-depth study on the demarcation of electoral districts and the quality of people’s representation rights.

• Objective 

The main objective of the study is to critically examine the effectiveness of electoral constituency demarcation in ensuring fair and equitable representation in Ethiopia. The study must consider changes in population growth since the approach was originally designed, as well as potential demographic shifts and boundary changes observed in Ethiopia. It shall also review the practices employed in past local and general elections, as well as referendums in Ethiopia. The study is required to thoroughly analyze the system’s strengths and weaknesses and provide alternative recommendations. In addition, it shall examine international best practices in constituency demarcation to draw lessons for Ethiopia and assess the impact of the current approach on the representation of minority groups.

• Scope of Work

To achieve the objectives outlined above, the consultant(s) is/are required to conduct a comprehensive literature review, covering both conventional and grey literature, including relevant legal frameworks. The study must also be supported by empirical data. Therefore, it is essential to collect data from relevant stakeholders using accepted scientific research methods. Geographically, the research will be focused at the federal level.

4. Deliverables

The consultant(s) is/are expected to carry out the following activities within the given time frame:

• Submit an inception report and receive feedback from CECOE.
• Draft the research report based on the study conducted.
• Incorporate feedback and comments on the report from CECOE.
• Present the major findings at a one-day validation workshop that will be organized by CECOE after the feedback and comments are addressed and submitted to CECOE.
• Address the comments and feedback received during the validation workshop, as appropriate, and submit the final version to CECOE.

5. Duration

The consultant (s) is/are expected to deliver the study within 25 days after signing of the contract.

6. Reporting

The Consultant (s) will report to the CECOE project manager and provide regular updates on the progress of the assignment.

7. Qualifications/ Eligibility criteria

The Consultant (s) should possess the following qualifications:

• Academic qualification in Election law, Constitutional law or other related fields.
• Strong understanding and experience working within the electoral system, including knowledge of election laws, procedures, and the role of various stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Experience in conducting workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively.

8. Submission of Proposals

Interested qualified applicants shall submit their detailed technical and financial proposals, including:

• A cover letter
• CV
• Proposed methodology

Application Link:

Applications are to be submitted electronically through the CECOE website for the consecutive 7 days:

Terms of Reference (ToR) for Lesson Learning Consultant

Oct 23, 2024

1.  Background

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a non-profit and non-governmental civil society organization with more than 175 member organizations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation 1113/2019. CECOE was established with the aim of enhancing and coordinating the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, voter education, preventing electoral conflicts, and providing capacity building and support for its member organizations. CECOE is a committed member of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), a pan-African coordinating platform, and a member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM),  which connects regional networks and individual monitoring organizations across more than 88 countries worldwide. CECOE has a proven track record of success, having observed the 6th General Election of Ethiopia, the Sidama referendum, the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region referendum, the South Ethiopia referendum, and the referendum rerun in Wolaita Zone. CECOE has also been engaged in various advocacy activities, including advocating for electoral reforms, peacebuilding, and enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian politics. Currently, CECOE is implementing the project titled “ Strengthening and promoting democratic processes and Peaceful Elections through Enhanced Engagement, capacity, and Awareness of Electoral Stakeholders”  which is funded by the Embassy of Ireland.

The political reform process in Ethiopia, initiated in 2018, resulted in significant legislative changes, including updates to electoral law and the re-establishment of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). NEBE organized the Sidama referendum in 2019 and the Sixth General Elections in mid-2021. However, conflicts in Tigray, Oromia, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Afar severely impacted the 2021 elections, complicating the democratic reform process amid ongoing security challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the September 2021 elections, serious irregularities were reported in the Meskan and Mareko constituencies, including voter coercion and militia presence, leading to a decision for re-elections. Similar issues arose in the Muye Muluqe Constituency, prompting a recount due to discrepancies in voter numbers. In Jigjiga Town, coercion was reported, preventing observers from monitoring 13 constituencies, resulting in another re-election decision to ensure process integrity.

These cancellations left some seats in the Federal Parliament and Regional Councils vacant, highlighting NEBE’s challenges in ensuring a credible electoral process. In regions where the 2021 general elections didn’t take place due to security and logistical reasons and whose results were invalidated by the NEBE, specifically in the Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, Somali, and parts of Central Ethiopia, NEBE took the step of holding outstanding elections and re-runs for these areas on June 24, 2024.  CECOE, in line with its mandate to observe electoral processes, was engaged in the observation of the pre-election, election day, and post-election processes by coordinating its member organizations in Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, Central Ethiopia, and Somali regions.

Following its observation, CECOE has issued a preliminary statement and has prepared a final observation report summarizing the findings and recommendations of the observation. Driven by its commitment to gather lessons from its observation projects, CECOE is seeking to hire a consultant who will assess CECOE’s observation of the June 24, 2024, outstanding and reelections.

2.  Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Workshop Design and Facilitation
   • Develop a detailed workshop agenda and methodology in consultation with CECOE
   • Facilitate a participatory workshop employing interactive methods to identify strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in CECOE’s election observation.
2. Data Collection and Analysis
   • Conduct key informant interviews with CECOE staff, partners, zonal coordinators, and observers using a semi-structured approach.
   • Analyze interview transcripts, workshop outputs, and relevant documents to identify key lessons learned, considering contextual factors and emerging trends.
3. Draft a comprehensive lesson-learned report
4. Dissemination and Feedback
   • Present key findings and recommendations to CECOE in a debriefing session, facilitating discussion.
   • Incorporate CECOE’s feedback into the final report.

4. Deliverables

• Detailed workshop agenda and methodology.
• Facilitated lesson-learned workshop.
• Comprehensive lesson learned report.

5. Timeline

The consultancy will be undertaken for 10 days.

6. Required Qualifications and Experience

• MA or BA in political science, law, peace and security studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience facilitating participatory workshops and conducting qualitative data analysis, ideally within election observation or similar contexts.
• Strong understanding of election observation methodologies and best practices, including international standards and principles.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian political context and electoral system.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Amharic.

7. Application Process

Interested consultants are invited to submit their applications including:

• Business license.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience.
• Technical proposal outlining the proposed methodology and work plan.
• Financial proposal detailing consultancy fees and expenses.
• Sample of previous works

Applications should be submitted electronically on or before October 30, 2024

8.  Contractual Arrangements:

The selected consultant will be contracted by CECOE for the duration of the consultancy. Payment will be made in installments upon satisfactory completion of deliverables as outlined in the agreed-upon contract.

Infographic Design

Oct 11, 2024

1. Background

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is a coalition of over 175 civil society organizations operating in all regional states and the two city administrations. CECOE was established in 2019 with the aim of augmenting and coordinating the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, monitoring, voter education, and preventing post-electoral conflicts. CECOE has a proven track record of success, having observed the 6th General Election of Ethiopia, the Sidama referendum, the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region referendum, the South Ethiopia referendum, and the referendum rerun in Wolaita Zone. CECOE has also been engaged in various advocacy activities, including advocating for electoral reforms, peacebuilding, and enhancing the participation of women in Ethiopian politics.

CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Civic Education for Better Civic Engagement and Political Participation in Ethiopia.” This project is funded by the German Government and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the “Support to Good Governance (S2GG) in Ethiopia” as part of the project CECOE has developed civic education training manual. Drawing on the civic education materials of the second part of the manual, a graphic designer will prepare user-friendly and interactive materials representing the information contained in the manual in a graphic format designed to make the ideas easily understandable. The materials will be made readily available online on CECOE’s website and will serve as input for its social media civic education campaign. The target audience of the infographics is both the educators and the public. While the youth and the educated will have access to the infographics on the social media platforms, the educators will use the infographics to disseminate the civic education content to the grassroots community through face-to-face training and other outreach activities.

• Scope of Work

• Understanding Project Requirements:

• Collaborate with the team to understand the objectives, target audience, and key messages to be conveyed through the infographic.
• Review and understand part of the civic education manual that needs to be visually represented.

• Design and Layout:

• Design clear, engaging, and visually appealing infographics based on the approved concept and provided content.
• Ensure the design aligns with the organization’s brand guidelines, including colors, fonts, and overall style.

• Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain effective and timely communication with CECOE to understand requirements, clarify any ambiguities, and provide progress updates.
• Collaborate with the CECOE’s team, including subject matter experts, to ensure the accuracy of the design.

• Deliverable

• Final Infographic Design:

• The completed, high-quality infographic in a preferred format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, PDF), ready for distribution or publishing.
• Design should be optimized for both digital use (social media, websites) and print formats if required.

• Qualifications and Experience

• Strong proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, or other relevant tools.
• Solid understanding of design principles, including color theory, typography, layout, and composition.
• Demonstrated ability to convert complex data and information into clear, visually engaging infographics.
• MA or BA in academic qualification in communications, journalism, architecture or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience producing charts, graphs, and other visual representations of data with a track record of producing high-quality materials.

• Timeline

The Infographic Design is expected to be completed within a total of 25 working days, starting from the commencement date.

• Proposal Submission

• A strong portfolio showcasing previous infographic designs or similar visual communication work.
• Technical proposal
• Financial Proposal
• Business license
• References from previous clients, if available.

• Confidentiality

The Infographic Design is expected to maintain strict confidentiality and not disclose any information related to the project or its content to any third parties.

• Ownership of Work

Upon completion and payment, all Infographic Design documents and related materials will become the property of CECOE