Delegates from 22 Countries Lauded ECI for India's Election Process
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) - A total of 38 delegates representing 22 nations expressed admiration for the Election Commission of India (ECI) after experiencing the remarkable scale, precision, and dynamism of India’s electoral system during the Assembly elections held on April 9 in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam, as stated by an official on Saturday.
Branimir Farkas from Croatia commented, “The Indian voting process is a true celebration of democracy globally... What struck me was the remarkable enthusiasm among the citizens to cast their votes. This is a process from which we can learn; it’s extensive and executed flawlessly.”
Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona from Mexico added, “India’s election process serves as an exemplary model for learning.”
These international delegates were welcomed by the ECI as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026, as reported by an official statement.
Following Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assuming the role of Chair for member states of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) a few months ago, the IEVP initiative has gained significant momentum.
During the International Conference hosted by the ECI in Delhi in January 2026, around 70 democratic countries expressed interest in observing India's highly transparent electoral procedures, according to an official source.
The international delegates commenced their two-day visit (April 8-9) to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry by touring the dispatch and distribution facilities, where they witnessed the organized movement of polling teams and election materials, as stated in the report.
On the voting day, delegates observed mock polls. Subsequently, representatives from these 22 countries visited polling stations in Assam (specifically Kamrup Metro and Kamrup Rural), Kerala (notably Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram), and Puducherry to observe the actual voting process.
In Puducherry, the delegates were impressed by enhanced security measures, including flying squads, drone surveillance, and innovative solutions like the welcoming robot named Nila.
In Kerala, they explored a Gen Z-themed polling station and noted the excitement among first-time voters. In Kamrup Rural, Assam, the delegates praised the availability of health checkup services at polling locations, as highlighted in the official statement.
The delegates commended the inclusive, participatory, and accessible features of the polling stations, which included ramps, wheelchairs, volunteers, and crèche facilities, as well as dedicated polling stations managed by women and individuals with disabilities (PwDs).
The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) stands as a flagship initiative of the ECI, aimed at promoting international collaboration and engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and global organizations.
This program offers a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional structures, and operational systems, while exposing delegates to best practices and innovations in election management.