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Global Delegates Witness Bihar Elections Amid ECI's Transparency Drive

The Election Commission is hosting 16 international delegates during the Bihar elections. These visitors from six countries are witnessing India's electoral arrangements firsthand. The program includes demonstrations of EVM technology and voter management systems. This initiative showcases India's leadership in transparent electoral processes to the world.

Key Points: ECI Hosts International Election Visitors During Bihar Polls

  • International delegates from Colombia to South Africa observing Bihar's electoral process
  • Participants received EVM demonstrations and voter management briefings in Delhi
  • Program showcases India's electoral best practices to global democratic institutions
  • ECI using Bihar polls as live demonstration of operational scale and integrity
2 min read

ECI hosts global delegates during Bihar elections under poll visitors' initiative

16 delegates from 6 countries observe Bihar Assembly elections under ECI's International Election Visitors' Programme, witnessing India's electoral transparency.

"16 delegates from 6 countries are witnessing the never before arrangements made by the ECI - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, Nov 6

As polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections got underway on Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday welcomed 16 delegates from six countries under its International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP).

The initiative, aimed at fostering global cooperation and transparency in electoral processes, saw participants from Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines, Belgium, and South Africa witnessing the on-ground arrangements of one of the world’s largest democratic exercises.

“Under the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) of the ECI, 16 delegates from 6 countries - Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Belgium, South Africa are witnessing the never before arrangements made by the ECI,” the poll panel said on X.

According to the ECI, the IEVP 2025 began earlier this week at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi on November 4.

The inaugural session was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi, who interacted with the visiting delegates and briefed them about India’s robust electoral framework.

During the Delhi leg, participants were given a detailed presentation on the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), voter roll management, and logistical preparedness.

“IEVP includes a two-day tour of Bihar from November 5-6, 2025 where the participants will visit the EVM dispatch centres and witness the actual polling on November 6, 2025,” the ECI said in its Press note earlier.

The IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other countries and international organisations.

The IEVP, launched in 2014, serves as the ECI’s flagship platform for international engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and global democratic institutions. Through this programme, India showcases its electoral best practices and fosters mutual learning with partner nations.

This year’s edition underlines India’s growing role as a leader in electoral management, with the ECI using the Bihar polls as a live demonstration of its operational scale, transparency, and integrity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative by ECI! When other countries learn from our election management, it shows how far we've come. Bihar elections are always challenging but we handle them so well.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the international cooperation, I hope ECI also focuses more on addressing local issues like voter bribery and booth capturing that still happen in some areas. The show for foreigners is good, but ground reality matters more for us common voters.
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Sarah B
As someone who has voted in multiple countries, I must say India's election machinery is incredibly impressive. The scale at which you conduct elections is mind-boggling! 👏
V
Vikram M
India is truly becoming the Vishwaguru in election management! From EVMs to voter verification, our systems are being studied by the world. Feeling proud as an Indian citizen today.
K
Kavya N
This is excellent soft diplomacy! When delegates from 6 countries see our election process firsthand, it builds India's credibility globally. More such initiatives please! 🙌

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