Global Delegates Hail India's Election Process as 'Festival of Democracy'
In a significant international endorsement, the recent elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry have drawn global attention, with 38 international delegates from 22 countries witnessing them firsthand. These polls recorded impressive turnouts, including all-time highs in two of the three states and union territories, showcasing robust democratic participation.
International Election Visitors' Programme 2026
The delegates were part of the Election Commission's International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) 2026, a two-day visit from April 8 to 9. They began by observing dispatch and distribution centers, where they noted the systematic movement of polling parties and election materials through well-planned logistics and established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Describing their experience as "a true festival of democracy," delegate Branimir Farkas from Croatia remarked that the elections were "a huge process done right." This sentiment was echoed by Paulus Shigwedha from Namibia, who expressed being "very impressed with how the polling stations have been organised and prepared very well, with wheelchair and creche facilities."
Transparency and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
The delegates visited district-level media monitoring centers and applauded the continuous oversight of the polls through webcasting. They also participated in plantation drives at polling stations, highlighting eco-friendly and sustainable election practices. At the CEO offices, they inspected CCTV control rooms set up for monitoring 100% webcasting of polling stations, describing them as a "strong pillar of transparency."
Interactions with chief electoral officers and state police nodal officers provided insights into the overall conduct of elections and security arrangements. Abubakarr Mahmoud Koroma from Sierra Leone noted, "One of the great things about India is the use of EVMs... some of the things that we have learnt we will be able to take home and see how we could implement it..."
Key Observations from the Delegates
- High voter participation and meticulous planning were consistently praised.
- Seamless execution of logistics and SOPs in election material distribution.
- Accessibility features like wheelchair and creche facilities at polling stations.
- Webcasting and media monitoring as tools for transparency and oversight.
- Sustainable practices, such as plantation drives, integrated into election processes.
This international recognition underscores India's commitment to democratic excellence, with delegates set to implement learned practices in their home countries, fostering global electoral standards.
