In a proud moment for India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has started the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management, known as IICDEM 2026. This is being called the world’s largest gathering on how to run elections and keep democracy strong. It opened on January 21, 2026, in New Delhi at the big Bharat Mandapam hall. Almost 100 people from more than 70 countries have come to share their ideas and learn from each other. The event will go on till January 23, with many talks, group meetings, and one-on-one chats. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar led the opening, talking about India’s old history of democracy and how it handles huge elections today. He also started a new film about the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which was the biggest election ever with over 970 million voters. This conference comes at a time when many countries face problems like fake news, cyber threats, and low voter turnout. It’s a chance for everyone to find ways to make elections fairer and democracy better for all.
The idea behind IICDEM is to bring together election bosses from around the world. They call them Election Management Bodies or EMBs. India is showing off its skills in running smooth polls, like using tech to check voters and count votes fast. The conference is put together by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, or IIIDEM, which works under the ECI. IIIDEM is based in Delhi and trains people on election work. This is the first time India is hosting such a big event like this, and it’s seen as a way to lead in global talks on democracy. With the world watching, India wants to share its story of holding free and fair elections even in tough places like mountains or islands.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The day started with a warm welcome at Bharat Mandapam, a modern place built for big events like G20 meetings. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar spoke first. He said India has democracy in its blood, from ancient times like village councils to today’s massive votes. “Our roots go back thousands of years, but we use the latest tech to make sure every vote counts,” he told the crowd. Along with him were Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. They all unveiled the conference logo and started the documentary on the 2024 elections. The film shows how India managed to vote over 640 million people in just a few weeks, using boats, helicopters, and even elephants to reach far places. Delegates clapped a lot, and many said it inspired them.
Director General of IIIDEM, Shri Rakesh Verma, also spoke. He said, “This conference will help us all understand today’s problems in elections, share good ideas, and make new plans together.” He pointed out that India is now chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026, which is a big group for democracy work. The theme of the event is “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world.” This means making sure democracy includes everyone, lasts through hard times, and helps the planet too.
Who is Attending and Why It Matters
Over 70 countries sent their top election officers. This includes big names like the US, UK, Australia, and neighbors like Bhutan and Nepal. There are also experts from groups like the United Nations and International IDEA. Even people from colleges like IITs, IIMs, and law schools in India are here to lead small group talks. Why so many? Because elections are getting harder everywhere. Things like social media spreading lies, hackers trying to mess with votes, and climate change affecting polling days are common problems. By talking together, they can find answers.
For India, this is a chance to shine. We have the world’s largest democracy, with 1.4 billion people. The 2024 Lok Sabha election was huge – 968 million voters, 1.05 million polling booths, and over 15 million workers. No other country does it on this scale. Delegates want to learn about our EVM machines, voter ID cards, and apps that track results live. It’s also good for India’s image, showing we can lead on global issues.
Agenda and Sessions Planned
The three days are packed. There are big main talks called plenary sessions where everyone listens. Then, 36 breakout groups on topics like using AI in elections, helping women and disabled voters, and fighting fake news. Each group is led by state election chiefs from India and experts from abroad. Over 40 one-on-one meetings will happen between Indian leaders and foreign guests to sign deals or share tips.
One big thing is the launch of ECINet, a new online network for election bodies to chat and share info anytime. There will be sessions on global rules for elections, like making sure votes are secret and counts are honest. Themes cover how to make democracy peaceful, like stopping violence during polls, and sustainable, like using less paper with digital voting.
Day one had the opening and some intro talks. Day two will have group work, and day three ends with plans for future meets. All this aims to make a list of best ways to run elections that countries can use back home.
India’s Role in Global Democracy
India has always been proud of its democracy. From the Constitution in 1950 to now, we hold elections on time, even during wars or pandemics. The ECI, started in 1950, is independent and trusted by most people. It has helped other countries too, like training officers from Africa and Asia at IIIDEM. IIIDEM is becoming one of the biggest schools for election training in the world.
In his speech, CEC Kumar said, “India’s electoral strengths come from our ancient traditions of debate and choice, mixed with modern tools.” He talked about old systems like sabhas in villages where people decided together. Today, we use biometrics to stop fake votes and drones to watch tough areas. This mix is what others want to copy.
But India also faces issues, like money in politics or low youth voting. The conference will discuss these too, so we can learn from places like Sweden or Canada.
History of Similar Events
This isn’t the first time ECI has done international work. In the past, they had things like the International Electoral Visitors’ Programme during big elections, where foreigners watch our polls. There was also a conference on voter education in 2016. But IICDEM 2026 is the biggest, with more countries and deeper talks. It’s like the G20 for elections.
Globally, groups like the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) do similar meets. India is a member and has chaired it before. This event builds on that, making Delhi a hub for democracy talks.
Challenges Discussed
The world is changing fast, and elections must keep up. One big worry is tech – good for reaching voters but bad if hacked. Sessions will talk about cyber security and ethical AI use. Another is inclusion: How to get more women, young people, and minorities to vote? India shares its success with women voters rising to 48% in 2024.
Peace is key too. Many countries have poll violence; India will share how it deploys forces fairly. Sustainability means green elections, like less plastic in campaigns. The theme ties it all to a better world.
Experts say this could lead to new global standards, like a code for online election ads.
Reactions from Participants
Delegates are excited. A visitor from South Africa said, “India’s scale is amazing; we can learn a lot for our polls.” An Australian expert added, “Sharing ideas here will help fight threats to democracy everywhere.” Indian leaders hope it strengthens ties, maybe leading to more help in training or tech.
Shri Rakesh Verma noted, “It’s about co-creating solutions for a resilient democracy.” Political watchers say this boosts India’s soft power, showing we lead not just in economy but in values too.
What Comes Next
After the conference, ECI plans to put out a report with all the ideas. They might start more online groups through ECINet. For India, it could mean better laws or tech for future votes, like the 2029 Lok Sabha.
This event shows democracy is alive and needs work from all. As CEC Kumar said, “Together, we can make it inclusive and strong for generations.”
Similar Events in the Past
Looking back, ECI hosted a global conference in 2019 on inclusive elections. Over 50 countries came. In 2022, during COVID, they did virtual meets on voter safety. IICDEM 2026 is bigger, with in-person chats post-pandemic.
Experts view it as a step up, linking to UN goals on sustainable development.
Impact on Indian Elections
At home, this could inspire changes. Like more use of apps for voter lists or training for poll workers. It also reminds us of ECI’s role in keeping faith in votes.
Women’s groups hope talks on inclusion lead to more ladies in politics. Youth want easier online voting.
FAQs
What is IICDEM 2026?
It’s the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management, a three-day event from January 21 to 23, 2026, in New Delhi. Hosted by ECI through IIIDEM, it brings election leaders from over 70 countries to discuss better ways to run polls and strengthen democracy. The theme is making democracy inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable.
Who is organizing it?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the main host, with IIIDEM handling the details. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar leads it, with help from commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.
How many people are coming?
Nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, plus experts from UN, International IDEA, and Indian colleges like IITs and IIMs.
What will they talk about?
Big sessions on global election rules, innovations like AI, fighting fake news, including all voters, and making polls green. There are 36 small groups and over 40 private meetings.
Why is India hosting this?
India has the world’s largest elections and wants to share its experience. It’s also chair of International IDEA’s council in 2026, so it’s a way to lead global talks on democracy.
What was launched at the start?
A documentary on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, showing how India handled the biggest vote ever with tech and hard work.
Is there any new thing coming out?
Yes, ECINet, an online network for election bodies to share info year-round.
How does this help common people?
By making elections fairer, it ensures votes matter. Ideas from here could stop fraud, get more people voting, and make democracy stronger against threats.
Can anyone join?
It’s mainly for invited experts and officials, but media and some students might get spots. Check ECI website for updates.
What are the big challenges they will discuss?
Things like cyber attacks, low voter trust, violence at polls, and climate effects on voting days. They aim to find shared solutions.