In a landmark achievement for India’s electoral leadership, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will assume the Chairship of International IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) for the year 2026.
Shri Kumar will formally take charge on December 3, 2025, during the Council meeting of Member States in Stockholm, Sweden. As Chair, he will preside over all Council meetings throughout 2026, guiding the organisation’s global initiatives.
Founded in 1995, International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan as Observers. The body works worldwide to strengthen democratic institutions, promote resilient electoral systems, and support accountable governance.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), recognised globally as one of the most credible and innovative Election Management Bodies, has played a pivotal role in IDEA’s work since India became a founding member. India’s consistent contributions to global electoral processes make this appointment a significant milestone.
As Chair, Shri Kumar will draw upon India’s unparalleled experience in conducting elections involving nearly a billion voters. India’s transparent, technology-enabled, and inclusive electoral framework will serve as a model for other democracies. Through IDEA’s platform, the ECI will share best practices with election bodies worldwide.
International collaborations through the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) will also expand. IIIDEM has already trained more than 3,169 officials from 142 countries, enhancing global preparedness against challenges such as disinformation, electoral violence, and erosion of voter trust.
Under Shri Kumar’s leadership, IDEA and ECI will jointly promote technological and administrative innovations in elections, benefitting democracies across the globe.
