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India Hosts 70 Nations for World's Largest Democracy Conference IICDEM 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, inaugurated the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. The three-day conference, hosting delegates from over 70 countries, features plenary sessions, thematic meetings, and discussions on global electoral standards and innovations. Key highlights include the launch of the ECINET digital platform and over 40 bilateral meetings with international Election Management Bodies. An exhibition on India's electoral process and the docuseries "India Decides" on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will also be showcased.

Key Points: India Hosts 70 Nations at Global Election Conference IICDEM 2026

  • Delegates from 70+ countries attending
  • 36 thematic groups for in-depth deliberations
  • Over 40 bilateral meetings with EMBs planned
  • ECINET digital platform to be formally launched
2 min read

Chief Election Commissioner welcomes delegates from 70 countries for IICDEM 2026

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar inaugurates IICDEM 2026 in Delhi, the largest global conference on democracy and election management with delegates from 70 countries.

"IICDEM 2026 is expected to be the largest global conference of its kind hosted by India - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, January 21

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, on Wednesday, welcomed international delegates from 70 countries for the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management-2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi.

The three-day programme includes general and plenary sessions of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), including the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders' Plenary, EMB Working Group Meetings, and thematic sessions focusing on global electoral issues, model international electoral standards, and innovations and best practices in electoral processes.

IICDEM 2026 is expected to be the largest global conference of its kind hosted by India in the domain of democracy and election management. It is hosting international delegates, representing over 70 countries from across the world, along with representatives of international organisations, foreign missions in India, and academic and practising experts in the electoral domain.

A total of 36 thematic groups, led by CEOs of States/UTs and supported by national and international academic experts, will contribute to in-depth deliberations during the conference. These discussions will also have participation from leading academic institutions, including 4 IITs, 6 IIMs, 12 National Law Universities (NLUs) and IIMC.

ECI will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with EMBs to further discussions and cooperation on the various challenges confronting EMBs worldwide. The Commission will also formally launch ECINET, ECI's one-stop digital platform for all election-related information and services.

An exhibition showcasing the magnitude and complexity of conducting elections in India, along with the recent initiatives taken by ECI to strengthen the two pillars of elections - preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections, will also be held alongside the events.

The docuseries "India Decides", highlighting the making of the largest election in the world, the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, will also be showcased on day-one of IICDEM- 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While this is a great platform, I hope the discussions are honest. Our EVMs are a point of pride, but we must also openly address challenges like voter turnout in urban areas and the influence of money in elections. Let's not just showcase, but also learn.
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Aman W
Involving IITs, IIMs, and NLUs is a smart move. Our academic minds can contribute so much to solving global electoral puzzles. The "India Decides" docuseries will be a hit, I'm sure. Managing elections for 900 million+ voters is no joke!
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Sarah B
As an observer from abroad, I'm impressed by the scale. The logistical feat of Indian elections is legendary. Curious to see what model standards emerge from these discussions. Hope there's a focus on accessibility for all voters.
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Vikram M
Bharat Mandapam is becoming India's global stage for important conferences. From G20 to this. Good to see our election commissioners leading this. The bilateral meetings are key - we can share our EVM/VVPAT experience and learn about postal ballots etc. from others.
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Nisha Z
Hope the exhibition showcases the real heroes - the lakhs of polling officials, teachers, and security personnel who work tirelessly in remote areas to make our democracy function. That's the true "magnitude and complexity". Jai Hind!

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