The main principles which guide UNDP procurement in general and for extension apply to any UNDP procurement project in relation to electoral processes are:

• Best Value for Money, which is the core governing principle and means selecting the offer which presents the optimum balance of quality and costs meeting the requirements of the organisation 8 The main stakeholders of the project or programme participate in the LPAC meeting to evaluate and finally approve project or programme documents. 20 Procurement in Electoral Processes
• Fairness, related primarily to the treatment of suppliers. Fair and open competition is the default procurement method in UNDP. Business units are therefore responsible for providing the widest possible access to UNDP contract opportunities for the supply community through open competitive procurement processes, broad advertisement, unbiased specifications, clear and unambiguous evaluation criteria, etc.
• Integrity, as demonstrating the core values of the UN in daily activities and behaviours: act without consideration of personal gain; resist undue political pressure in decision-making and actions taken; not to abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the organisation’s best interest; and takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour
• Accountability, as taking ownership of all responsibilities and commitments; delivering outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operating in compliance with financial rules and regulations. This must be supported by documenting the procurement process, signatures on key documents, with clear justifications for decisions made, thus leaving a clear audit trail of the actions and decisions taken
• Transparency, as demonstrating openness to stakeholders in the procurement process and in compliance with rules and regulations. Transparency is especially relevant in the solicitation stage in demonstrating the fairness and integrity of the process to bidders through clear instructions, release of information and the evaluation process (e.g. public bid opening), vendor protest procedures and publication of contract awards
• Effective International Competition is the default solicitation method of all UNDP procurement applicable for contracts exceeding USD 100.000. This involves providing all eligible prospective vendors globally with timely and adequate notification of UNDP’s requirements - and fair and equal opportunity to bid for the required goods, works or services
• The Best Interest of the Organisation. In practice the specific procurement rules and procedures established for the implementation of a programme are contingent upon the individual circumstances of the particular case. Procurement is ultimately a support function, albeit a strategic function, that supports economic and efficient delivery of UNDP’s programmatic and organisational outcomes

Similar procurement principles, guidelines and practice are observed in other major International Organisations. For example, the EU procurement directives determine how contracts should be awarded for public works, supplies and services. They set rules for competitive tendering procedures, open up the EU’s public market to competition, prevent ‘buy national’ policies and promote the free movement of goods and services. They aim to foster quality, transparency and fairness. Member States have implemented the EU Procurement Directives in national law. The World Bank similarly focuses on nondiscrimination between bidders, transparency of procurement proceedings, economy of government contracting, effectiveness of procurement processes and accountability of both the private and public sectors.