Eze Onyekpere Esq 16.(1) Subject to any exemption allowed by this Act, all public procurement shall be conducted: (a) subject to the prior review thresholds as may from time to time be set by the Bureau pursuant to section 7(1)(a)-(b): (b) based only on procurement plans supported by prior budgetary appropriations and no procurement proceedings shall be formalized until the procuring entity has ensured that funds are available to meet the obligations and subject to the threshold in the regulations made by the Bureau, has obtained a “Certificate of'No Objection' to Contract Award” from the Bureau; (c) by open competitive bidding; (d) in a manner which is transparent, timely, equitable for ensuring accountability and conformity with this Act and regulations deriving therefrom; (e) with the aim of achieving value for money and fitness for purpose; (f) in a manner which promotes competition, economy and efficiency; and (g) in accordance with the procedures and timeline laid down in this Act and as may be specified by the Bureau from time to time. 100 ELECTION SECURITY IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING Election Security Finance 6.6. Conclusions l Providing financing for elections on its own will not provide the requisite security for the election if other factors are not taken into consideration. l Perception is as good as the real deal in elections. Reduce to the minimum perceptions of impartiality towards certain candidates and parties, ineptitude and lack of integrity and security challenges requiring funding will be reduced. l The social, environmental, political and legal milieu will determine the level of funding required for particular elections. l Election security needs medium term planning involving experts in elections, security, and fiscal governance. l Predictability of funding and timely release of appropriated funds is essential in planning for election security. l Proper alignment of materials and the welfare needs of security personnel is vital. l Lessons must be drawn from previous successes and failures. ELECTION SECURITY IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARISING 101