New Delhi is set to become the epicenter of a major global dialogue on democracy next year. The Election Commission of India will host the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) from January 21 to 23, 2026. This prestigious gathering is expected to welcome approximately 100 international delegates representing 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world.
A Global Platform for Democratic Exchange
Organized by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the Election Commission, this three-day conference is being promoted as the largest global event of its kind. The theme, 'Democracy for an inclusive, resilient and sustainable world', will guide the discussions. The conference will not only include EMB representatives but also feature participants from international organizations, foreign missions based in India, and leading academic and practical experts in the field of elections.
The agenda builds upon the vision set forth by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This follows India's assumption of the chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026. The goal is to create a shared understanding of modern challenges and collaboratively develop solutions.
Focus on Best Practices and Bilateral Engagements
During a media briefing on Wednesday, IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Verma outlined the conference's broad objectives. He stated that IICDEM 2026 will serve as a crucial platform for international cooperation. It will enable the exchange of best practices, innovations, and foster the co-creation of strategies to strengthen democratic institutions worldwide.
A key Indian initiative that may be shared is the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various states and union territories. This process, aimed at ensuring all eligible voters are included and ineligible ones are excluded, exemplifies the kind of best practice that will be discussed.
The official logo for IICDEM 2026 was unveiled during the media interaction at the IIIDEM campus. Beyond the main conference, the Election Commission of India (ECI), comprising the CEC and Election Commissioners, has planned an intensive schedule of diplomatic engagement. They are slated to hold over 40 bilateral meetings with the heads of participating EMBs and other international delegates, strengthening India's role as a key player in global election management discourse.
This summit underscores India's growing stature as a leading democracy and its commitment to contributing to the resilience and sustainability of democratic processes around the globe.
