UNDP has over the years developed an extensive understanding and experience in providing technical assistance and support to the conduct of democratic elections, as part of the Democratic Governance practice area, through either UNDP headquarters or its country offices. A key area of support is the procurement of electoral materials, ranging from ballots and ballot boxes, to ink, stationery, and biometric voter registration equipment to countries that lack adequate local procurement capacity. UNDP has recently increased its focus on the crucial pre-polling period of planning and budgeting, which also reflects an increasing concern over how public funds are being managed in general; recognising that by far the greatest share of an electoral budget is taken up by the procurement of electoral material and services. These services include the engagement of CSOs/NGOs for civic education and training.

UNDP has reinforced the procurement function and related higher-level advisory services by revamping and restructuring the Procurement Services Office (PSO) in New York and Copenhagen. The Global Procurement Unit (GPU) based in Copenhagen, which represents the operational arm, offers both direct procurement support and procurement advisory services.