ECI Concludes IICDEM 2026 with Unanimous Adoption of Delhi Declaration

International Conference Concludes in New Delhi

The Election Commission of India (ECI) successfully concluded the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 in New Delhi on January 23, 2026. The three-day conference, held at Bharat Mandapam from January 21 to January 23, 2026, saw the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026 by over 40 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from around the world.

Hosted by the ECI and the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), the event brought together nearly 100 international delegates representing over 70 countries, along with experts from national institutions, foreign missions, and 36 Chief Electoral Officers from Indian states and union territories.

Pillars of the Delhi Declaration 2026

The Delhi Declaration 2026 establishes a comprehensive framework for global cooperation in election management, built upon five core pillars aimed at enhancing the integrity, inclusivity, and efficiency of democratic processes worldwide.

• Purity of Electoral Rolls: Emphasizing the fundamental importance of accurate voter lists, EMBs are encouraged to issue photo identity cards to all eligible electors.
• Conduct of Elections: This pillar stresses the need for elections to be inclusive, participatory, and fair, with EMBs operating strictly within their constitutional or legal frameworks to deliver transparent, efficient, and credible results.
• Research and Publications: A commitment was made to produce an 'Encyclopedia of Democracies of the World,' which will include an atlas detailing electoral systems across countries and comprehensive reports on various themes.
• Use of Technology: The declaration advocates for embracing modern technological tools to assist voters and combat misinformation, while always safeguarding electoral integrity. India has offered to share its experience with the ECINET digital platform for co-development by other EMBs.
• Training and Capacity Building: India pledged to share its extensive experience and transparent practices through training and exchange programs facilitated by IIIDEM.

Strengthening Global Electoral Cooperation

Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the conference's role in fostering closer global collaboration. Shri Kumar stated that the conference 'ignited meaningful conversations on model international electoral standards' and that 'over 40 bilateral meetings held during these three days have expanded mutual cooperation and strengthened our understanding of shared priorities and perspectives.' The event also saw the formal launch of ECINET, the ECI's one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services.

Participants resolved to implement these pillars through collaborative efforts, innovation, and regular progress reviews. A follow-up meeting to assess progress has been scheduled for December 3 to 5, 2026, at the IIIDEM in New Delhi.