Terms of Reference

Research on political party candidate adoption processes in Zambia 

Background 

The Deepening Democracy Facility (DDF) Extended project seeks to promote greater transparency, civic engagement, and protection of civic space in Zambia. An important but under‑examined dimension of democratic practice is how political parties select and adopt candidates for public office. Candidate adoption processes shape who competes in elections, whose voices are represented, and whether women, young people, and other marginalised groups are able to participate meaningfully in formal politics.

Anecdotal evidence and stakeholder consultations suggest that adoption outcomes may be influenced by a mix of formal rules and informal practices, including access to financial resources, internal party networks, knowledge of procedures, and local power structures. However, there is limited systematic evidence documenting these dynamics from the perspective of candidates themselves.

This study seeks to shed light on these dynamics by following the experiences of selected candidates in different political parties, with a focus on the inclusivity of the adoption process. 

Consultancy Focus

BBC Media Action therefore intends to commission an independent research agency to conduct an in‑depth qualitative study of candidate adoption processes at parliamentary level, focusing on both candidates who were adopted and those who were not. The findings will be used to inform programme delivered during April–May 2026, particularly around barriers to inclusive political participation.

Overall purpose of the study

To generate qualitative evidence on how =parliamentary candidates are adopted, and to identify structural, socio‑economic, informational, and other factors that facilitate or constrain fair and inclusive access to adoption.

Specific objectives: 

1.      To document and analyse how candidates are adopted for elections. 

2.      Compare experiences of adopted and non‑adopted candidates to identify key perceived barriers and enabling factors.

3.      To assess the inclusivity of these processes across various groups. 

4.      To explore the role of power structures, finances, networks, and identity in shaping candidate outcomes. 

5.      To generate evidence around inclusion, and equitable political participation as part of democratic processes. 

Scope of the study

a.      Electoral focus

·      Parliamentary level elections only

·      Two largest political parties (XX and YY)

·      Selected smaller and newer political parties (ZZ)

·      Independent candidates (both those who proceeded independently and those who dropped out after non‑adoption)

b.     Time period to be covered

·      2021 General Elections (retrospective cases)

c.      2026 Byelections

d.     Geographical coverage

·      The research will include both rural and urban constituencies.

Sampling framework and target interviews

The study will involve approximately 37 in‑depth interviews, following up to 34 individual candidates, plus interviews with selected party officials.

2021 general elections

Rural constituencies

·      2 × XX party adopted candidates

·      2 × XX party not adopted candidates

·      2 × YYparty adopted candidates

·      2 × YY party not adopted candidates

·      2 × Independent candidates

·      2 × Candidates from new / smaller political parties

Urban constituencies

·      2 × XX party adopted candidates

·      2 × XX party not adopted candidates

·      2 × YY party adopted candidates

·      2 × YY party not adopted candidates

·      2 × Independent candidates

·      2 × Candidates from new / smaller political parties

2026 Byelections – Case study

·      2 × ZZ adopted candidates

·      2 × ZZ not adopted candidates

·      2 × XX adopted candidates

·      2 × XX not adopted candidates

·      1 × Independent candidate

·      1 × Candidate from a new / smaller political party

Political party officials

·      1 × (small/new party) official involved in adoption processes

·      1 × XX official involved in adoption processes

·      1 × YY official involved in adoption processes

Final sampling will be refined in the inception phase in consultation with BBC Media Action

Key research questions

The consultant should design tools to address questions such as:

a.      What formal steps are required to secure party adoption?

b.      How are final decisions made, and by whom?

c.      What costs (official or unofficial) do candidates incur?

d.      What role do party structures, patronage, or personal networks play?

e.      How do women, young people, and other marginalised groups experience the process?

f.       What knowledge gaps exist among aspiring candidates?

g.      Why do some candidates opt to stand as independents after non‑adoption?

h.      How consistent are processes across constituencies and election types?

Methodology

The study will adopt a qualitative case‑study design to examine candidate adoption processes within selected political parties. A purposive sample of adopted and non‑adopted candidates will be selected to ensure variation by gender, party affiliation, and location (urban/rural).

Data will be collected primarily through semi‑structured in‑depth interviews with candidates and relevant party officials, complemented by a review of party constitutions, nomination guidelines, and manifestos. Limited observation of adoption‑related events may be conducted where feasible.

All research will follow strict ethical standards, including informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, and secure data management.

Deliverables 

The consultant will be expected to provide the following deliverables:

a.      Inception report

A detailed report outlining:

·      refined methodology and sampling / case selection strategy.

·      draft data collection instruments (interview and discussion guides for candidates and party officials);

·      ethical protocol and data protection approach.

·      detailed workplan and timeline; and

·      key risks and mitigation measures.

b.     Data collection tools package

Finalised semi‑structured interview and discussion guides for:

·      adopted candidates;

·      non‑adopted candidates; and

·      political party officials / selection committee members.

c.      Draft case study notes / profiles

Short analytical case profiles for each selected candidate, documenting their experience of the adoption process, key barriers and enabling factors, and outcomes. These will form the basis for cross‑case comparison.

d.     Draft synthesis report

A consolidated analytical report presenting:

·      thematic findings across cases;

·      comparative analysis by party, gender, location, and adoption outcome; and

·      preliminary, programme‑relevant recommendations for improving transparency and inclusivity.

e.      Final study report

A revised and fully edited report incorporating BBC Media Action feedback, including:

·      executive summary

·      methodology

·      findings

·      conclusions; and

·      practical recommendations for programming and policy engagement.

f.       Summary / policy brief (5–6 pages)

A concise, non‑technical brief highlighting key findings and recommendations for donors and stakeholders.

BBC Media Action will provide technical oversight and quality assurance throughout the assignment and will work closely with the consultant to ensure that outputs align with the objectives of the DDF Extended project.

Proposed timeline 

Activity

Timeline

Contracting and inception

Early February 2026

Inception report approval

Early February 2026

Data collection

February – early March 2026

Draft reporting

Mid-March 2026

Final report submission

21^st March 2026

BBC Media Action will provide technical oversight, quality assurance, and access to partner radio stations and relevant stakeholders where appropriate.

Consultant Profile (Minimum requirements)

·      Proven experience conducting qualitative political economy or governance research.

·      Strong understanding of Zambian political parties and electoral processes.

·      Demonstrated experience working on sensitive political topics.

·      Ability to manage fieldwork across multiple provinces.

·      Excellent analytical writing skills in English.