Global Leaders to Convene in New Delhi for IICDEM 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, a three-day event commencing on January 21, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organized by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the ECI's aegis, the conference is anticipated to be the largest global gathering of its kind in the field of democracy and election management hosted by India.
The conference will bring together nearly 100 international delegates representing over 70 countries, alongside representatives from international organizations, foreign missions in India, and academic and practicing experts in the electoral domain. The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, will welcome the delegates and inaugurate the proceedings.
Key Objectives and Thematic Discussions
IICDEM 2026 aims to foster international cooperation among Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and facilitate the exchange of best practices, innovations, and solutions to contemporary electoral challenges. The central theme of the conference is 'Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world,' carrying forward the agenda outlined by the Chief Election Commissioner following India's assumption of the Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026.
The program will feature a mix of general and plenary sessions for EMBs, including an Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders' Plenary, and EMB Working Group Meetings. Discussions will focus on global electoral challenges, international electoral standards, and innovations in election processes. A total of 36 thematic groups will conduct detailed deliberations, led by Chief Electoral Officers of States and Union Territories, and supported by national and international academic experts. Leading academic institutions, including four IITs, six IIMs, twelve National Law Universities (NLUs), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), will also contribute to these discussions.
Showcasing India's Electoral Prowess and Digital Initiatives
During the conference, the ECI will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with various EMBs to deepen cooperation and exchange views on shared challenges. A significant highlight will be the formal launch of ECINET, the ECI's one-stop digital platform designed to provide comprehensive election-related information and services.
An exhibition will run alongside the conference, showcasing the magnitude and complexity of conducting elections in India, as well as recent initiatives undertaken by the ECI to strengthen electoral roll preparation and the conduct of elections. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, aimed at ensuring the inclusion of all eligible voters and removing ineligible entries, will be presented as a key initiative. Additionally, the docuseries 'India Decides,' which chronicles the conduct of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, will be screened on the opening day of IICDEM 2026.
5 Comments
Loubianka
More PR than substance. They should fix their own electoral issues before lecturing others.
BuggaBoom
Bringing together 70+ countries for election management is a positive step for international cooperation. However, the ECI must ensure the discussions aren't just theoretical but lead to tangible improvements in electoral processes globally and domestically.
Katchuka
Showcasing India's robust electoral process and digital innovations like ECINET to the world is excellent.
KittyKat
A waste of taxpayer money. Focus on ensuring free and fair elections at home, not grand international events.
Bermudez
It's good to see India taking a leadership role in election management on the world stage, especially given the scale of its elections. Still, the conference needs to delve deeper into issues of transparency and accountability to ensure genuine democratic health, not just efficient management.