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ECI Prepares for Global Democracy Summit IICDEM 2026 with CEOs' Conference

The Election Commission of India held a conference with Chief Electoral Officers to prepare for the upcoming India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management in 2026. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi outlined the operational framework and roles for the CEOs. The global conference will feature 36 thematic groups led by CEOs, focusing on electoral challenges, standards, and innovations. It is set to be India's largest such international gathering, with participation from global election bodies, academic institutions, and experts.

Key Points: ECI Holds CEOs' Conference Ahead of IICDEM 2026 Global Summit

  • CEOs briefed on IICDEM 2026 framework
  • 36 thematic groups for global knowledge sharing
  • Nearly 100 international delegates expected
  • Conference to feature EMB plenaries and ECINET launch
2 min read

ECI holds CEOs' conference ahead of IICDEM 2026

Election Commission of India briefs state CEOs on framework for the 2026 India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management.

"outlining their specific roles and responsibilities in the lead-up to the event - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, Jan 8

The Election Commission of India on Thursday held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers as part of preparations for the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management-2026.

The three-day global conference is scheduled to be held from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam here.

At Thursday's meet at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, briefed the CEOs on the framework, objectives and operational nuances of IICDEM 2026, outlining their specific roles and responsibilities in the lead-up to the event.

Following the inaugural address, the CEOs deliberated on 36 thematic groups, each to be led by a designated CEO during the conference. These themes span all critical aspects of election management and are aimed at creating a comprehensive body of knowledge by drawing upon the diverse experiences of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the globe.

IICDEM 2026 is set to be the largest international conference of its kind hosted by India in the domain of democracy and election management. The event will see participation from nearly 100 international delegates representing EMBs worldwide, in addition to representatives from international organisations, foreign missions in India, and leading academic and professional experts in electoral processes.

The conference will feature a range of general and plenary sessions, including the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders' Plenary, EMB Working Group Meetings, and the launch of ECINET. It will also host multiple thematic sessions focusing on global electoral challenges, international electoral standards, and innovations and best practices in election management.

Renowned academic institutions will also be part of the deliberations, including four IITs, six IIMs, 12 National Law Universities (NLUs), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). A total of 36 thematic groups, led by CEOs of states and Union Territories and supported by national and international academic experts, will contribute to the discussions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see planning start so early. 36 thematic groups sounds very thorough. My only hope is that the discussions are practical and lead to real improvements for the common voter, like reducing long queues at polling stations. The theory is good, but execution matters more.
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Aman W
Involving IITs, IIMs, and NLUs is a smart move. We need that academic and technical perspective to tackle modern challenges like misinformation and digital campaigning. Hope they also discuss making elections more accessible for people with disabilities.
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Sarah B
As an observer, India's election process is truly impressive in its complexity and scale. Hosting this conference is a significant step. Looking forward to seeing the global best practices that emerge. The inclusion of so many academic institutions promises deep, research-backed discussions.
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Karthik V
Bharat Mandapam is becoming a real hub for international conferences. Good venue choice. Hope the CEOs use this opportunity well. Our election officials have immense field experience that can benefit many countries. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
While this is a positive step, I respectfully hope the conference also addresses internal challenges transparently. Issues like voter list errors and the influence of money in elections need global perspectives too. A truly strong democracy isn't afraid to look at areas for improvement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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