The Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up to host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)-2026, a landmark event aimed at fostering international collaboration in electoral practices.
Scheduled from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the conference is organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under ECI’s guidance.
This three-day gathering is poised to be the world’s largest conference on election management, drawing nearly 100 international delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide. It will also feature representatives from global organisations, foreign missions in India, and experts in elections and democracy. The event aligns with India’s 2026 chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA, themed “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world,” as outlined by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar.
Director General of IIIDEM, Shri Rakesh Verma, briefed the media today on the conference’s framework, emphasising its role as a platform for EMBs to share challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions. The session included the unveiling of the official IICDEM-2026 logo. Participants, representing a substantial portion of the global electorate, will gain insights into India’s advanced electoral systems, processes, and technological advancements that position it as a model democracy.
The program includes a mix of sessions: an inaugural plenary, EMB leaders’ meetings, working group discussions, and the launch of ECINet—a network for electoral cooperation. Thematic sessions will explore global electoral standards, innovations, and best practices. Led by Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI will conduct over 40 bilateral meetings with EMB heads and international delegates.
Adding an academic dimension, the conference will involve leading institutions such as four IITs, six IIMs, 12 National Law Universities (NLUs), and Indian Institutes of Mass Communication (IIMCs). Thirty-six thematic groups, guided by state/UT CEOs and experts, will drive discussions.
Following the media interaction, journalists toured IIIDEM’s Dwarka campus, which is evolving into a premier global hub for election capacity building, setting standards and bolstering India’s role in democratic cooperation worldwide.
This event underscores India’s commitment to strengthening global democracy amid evolving challenges, promising actionable outcomes for inclusive and resilient electoral systems.
