Feasibility Study for Mega-Centers and Electoral Infrastructure

Location: Lebanon, with required field visits for site assessments and stakeholder engagement

Duration: March - August 2025

Contract Type: Consultancy

1. About LADE

LADE is a Lebanese non-profit and non-partisan organization advocating for election integrity and fair representation as two vital pillars for a functional democracy. Since its establishment in 1996, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) has been heavily involved in instigating electoral reform on a national level through a set of well-designed interventions amongst which election monitoring constitutes a cornerstone for a viable parliament, where it features as a necessary tool to assess the electoral framework and propose amendments when needed. The association’s early efforts reached paramount in 1998 with the implementation and management of a full-fledged campaign aiming at restoring local elections across Lebanon for the first time since the breakout of the Lebanese Civil War. Consequently, LADE’s role grew further and as a leading reformist organization. LADE’s awareness extended throughout the years to cover pre-elections, e-day and post-elections activities. Moreover, the association has been able, in a short period of time, to catch up with the academic and societal debates around media ethics and gender participation and has successfully developed a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to citizenship and electoral reform. 

2. Project Overview

LADE, in partnership with the European Union, launched a 30-month project aimed at making Lebanon’s parliamentary elections more democratic and aligned with international standards. The project will focus on implementing electoral reforms, strengthening electoral bodies, and promoting transparency and inclusiveness through civil society engagement. The project aims to increase public confidence and the perceived integrity of the electoral process by introducing at least three major reforms and improving perceptions of electoral fairness among both the public and international observers.

3. Objective

LADE is seeking a research company to conduct a thorough assessment of Lebanon’s electoral infrastructure, with a focus on evaluating the feasibility of establishing mega-centers. The selected company will analyze the existing electoral framework, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, and gaps, while also assessing potential locations for mega-centers based on accessibility and logistical feasibility. This research will include evaluating technological requirements, addressing voter access challenges, and considering regional disparities, transportation barriers, and socio-economic factors. The company will conduct site visits, perform comprehensive cost analyses, and develop a pilot project proposal informed by expert insights. Additionally, it will provide policy recommendations to support the potential national adoption of mega-centers. 

4. Scope of Work

The selected company will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility of establishing mega-centers in Lebanon. This work will build upon LADE’s previous research and expertise, ensuring that the study is informed by past findings and best practices while avoiding duplication. Throughout the process, the company will actively engage with LADE’s technical experts, leveraging their knowledge to guide the research design and implementation.

The assignment will begin with desk research and review, where the company will analyze existing studies, reports, and other relevant resources related to Lebanon’s electoral infrastructure. By incorporating insights from LADE’s previous research, the study will ensure continuity and draw lessons from past experiences. This phase will establish a strong foundation for the subsequent analysis.

The company will then conduct site assessment and location analysis, identifying and evaluating potential locations for mega-centers based on key factors such as voter accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and logistical feasibility. With guidance from LADE’s technical team, the study will also examine transportation networks and other access-related considerations to ensure fair and equitable distribution across different regions. Site visits will be conducted to validate findings and provide real-world assessments of the proposed locations.

A crucial part of the study will be the technology and infrastructure needs assessment, which will evaluate the requirements for modernizing electoral processes in mega-centers.The company will also assess infrastructure aspects such as power supply, network connectivity, security, and space requirements. In collaboration with LADE’s experts, the company will ensure that these assessments align with practical implementation considerations.

To determine the financial feasibility of the initiative, the company will carry out a cost analysis, estimating expenses for technology, staffing, infrastructure, and logistics.The study will also include a voter access evaluation, assessing existing challenges such as geographic, socio-economic, and physical barriers that may hinder voter participation. With LADE’s technical input, the company will develop strategies to maximize voter access and ensure the equitable distribution of mega-centers.

Following the research and assessment phases, the company will draft a pilot project proposal for a mega-center, detailing a recommended location, necessary resources, and operational plans. The design of the pilot project will be informed by LADE’s experience and technical guidance, ensuring that it is realistic, practical, and aligned with electoral best practices.

The company will compile its findings and recommendations into a final report, which will include a comprehensive feasibility assessment, policy recommendations, and an implementation roadmap for mega-centers nationwide. Legislative and regulatory proposals will also be developed to support the institutionalization of mega-centers within Lebanon’s electoral system. The report will integrate insights from LADE’s research and expertise, ensuring that the findings are grounded in both technical and contextual knowledge.

By closely collaborating with LADE, this study will serve as a crucial step toward enhancing voter accessibility and improving the efficiency of Lebanon’s electoral process, ensuring that all citizens can participate with greater ease and convenience.

5. Deliverables

The selected company will be responsible for producing a comprehensive Feasibility Study Report, building upon LADE’s previous research and incorporating technical expertise to ensure an evidence-based and practical assessment, following the below main deliverables: 

• Inception Report: A detailed report outlining the research methodology, work plan, and key objectives, to be reviewed and approved by LADE before the study begins.
• Draft Report: A preliminary version of the feasibility study, including initial findings on electoral infrastructure, site assessments, technology needs, cost analysis, voter access, and preliminary policy recommendations for review and feedback.
• Final Report: A comprehensive and refined report incorporating all key findings, including an assessment of electoral infrastructure, site evaluations, technology and infrastructure requirements, cost analysis, voter access considerations, a pilot project proposal, and policy recommendations for the adoption of mega-centers. This report will serve as the primary reference for decision-makers, providing a data-driven roadmap for implementation.

6. Timeline and Workplan

The assignment will span from March until August 2025, starting from the date of contract signing and concluding by the end of August 2025. The tentative timeline includes:

• Project Initiation: Develop and submit an Inception Report, including research methodology, work plan, and key objectives for LADE’s approval. (Mid-March 2025)

• Desk Research and Review: Review LADE’s previous research, existing studies, and international best practices. Develop research methodology. (Mid-March – Early April 2025)

• Site Assessments and Location Analysis: Identify potential mega-center locations, conduct site visits, and analyze accessibility and feasibility. (April 2025)

• Technology and Infrastructure Needs Analysis: Assess technology and infrastructure requirements, including digital systems, connectivity, and security. (April - May 2025)

• Cost Analysis and Financial Sustainability: Develop cost estimates for mega-center implementation, exploring funding options and sustainability strategies. (May 2025)

• Voter Access Evaluation: Analyze voter accessibility challenges and develop strategies for equitable participation. (May - June 2025)

• Pilot Project Proposal Development: Design a pilot mega-center model, including location, infrastructure, operational framework, and evaluation plan. (June - July 2025)

• Final Report and Policy Recommendations: Compile all findings into a feasibility report with policy recommendations and an implementation roadmap. (July - End of August 2025)

7. Required Qualifications and Expertise

• Extensive experience in electoral system assessments, infrastructure planning, and policy research is required, with a strong background in feasibility studies, cost analysis, and electoral reforms. 
• Experience collaborating with international organizations, government bodies, or civil society is essential.
• A multidisciplinary team is necessary.
• Expertise should cover site assessments, technology evaluations, financial modeling, and voter accessibility studies, ensuring data-driven recommendations for mega-center implementation.
• Familiarity with Lebanon’s electoral system or comparable contexts is crucial. Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality analytical reports, policy recommendations, and implementation roadmaps within the project timeline are required.