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Foreign Delegates Witness EVM Demo, Mock Poll at IIDEM Ahead of 2026

International delegates participating in the 2026 International Election Visitors' Programme witnessed a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines and a mock poll at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management. IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Kumar Verma highlighted India's commitment to electoral integrity and inclusivity during the event. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described elections in India as "festivals of democracy" and encouraged delegates to experience the country's diversity. The institute also announced new academic initiatives, including a research challenge and an international conference on election management.

Key Points: EVM Demo for Foreign Delegates at IIDEM Showcases Indian Poll Process

  • Live EVM demo for IEVP 2026 delegates
  • Showcasing India's secure electoral framework
  • 43 delegates from 23 countries participating
  • IIIDEM launches academic outreach programs
  • International conference on democracy set for June
2 min read

EVM demo, mock poll at IIDEM help foreign delegates understand Indian poll process​

International delegates witnessed a live EVM demonstration and mock poll at IIDEM, gaining insights into India's tech-driven and transparent electoral system.

"ECI treats elections in India as festivals of democracy - CEC Gyanesh Kumar"

New Delhi, April 21

Delegates of the International Election Visitors' Programme 2026 on Tuesday witnessed a live demonstration of EVMs and a mock poll, gaining hands-on understanding of India's robust, tech-driven, and transparent electoral process, an official said.​

A live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) for international delegates to IEVP 2026, the official said in a statement.​

Addressing the delegates, IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Kumar Verma highlighted India's enduring commitment to electoral integrity, inclusivity, and institutional excellence.​

The live demonstration also offered delegates an insightful engagement, showcasing India's secure, transparent, and technology-driven electoral framework, the statement said.​

Under the IEVP, 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, earlier participated in the first phase of the programme and visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry on April 8-9 to witness polling, the statement said.​

CEC Gyanesh Kumar told the delegates that the ECI treats elections in India as festivals of democracy and works to ensure them in a mission mode.​

He also called upon the IEVP participants to enjoy the visit to the states, learn, see, and experience the diversity of India.​

Earlier, after India assumed the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for 2026, the IIIDEM launched three academic initiatives to deepen engagement with students, researchers, and academic institutions.​

One of these included the Academic Outreach Programme involving immersive campus visits for universities to interact with election practitioners and experience electoral process simulations," said IIDEM on social media.​

"Through the Student Connect Research Challenge, the institute invited undergraduate and postgraduate students to submit comparative research on electoral systems, with prizes worth Rs 7.5 lakh-plus," said the Institute on social media.​

The IIIDEM will also host an International Academic Conference on Democracy and Election Management, bringing together scholars and experts on June 18 and 19, it said.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very good initiative. Many countries can learn from India's election management scale and efficiency. The mock poll demo is the best way to clear doubts. Hope they also visited some rural polling stations to see the real ground-level effort by our polling officers.
A
Aman W
While showcasing our system is good, I hope the delegates also get a complete picture. There are genuine concerns about EVM transparency that need addressing. The ECI should use such forums to have an open dialogue about these concerns, not just a one-sided demo.
S
Sarah B
Fascinating read. The scale of Indian elections is mind-boggling. The Academic Outreach Programme and the research challenge with 7.5 lakh prize money show a serious commitment to building knowledge. Looking forward to the International Conference in June.
V
Vikram M
"Elections as festivals of democracy" - what a beautiful way to put it! That's the spirit. Taking delegates to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry is smart. They will see the incredible diversity of India and how elections unite us all. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The Student Connect Research Challenge is a brilliant idea. Engaging young minds in comparative studies will build a future generation of election experts. Hope they publish the winning research. Our EVM and VVPAT system is a model worth studying.

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