CEC Gyanesh Kumar Launches IEVP for International Election Delegates in India
Synopsis
On April 7, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar launched the International Election Visitors’ Programme, allowing foreign delegates to explore India's electoral system during the upcoming Assembly elections. This initiative promotes global understanding of India's democratic processes.
Key Takeaways
Launch of IEVP: The program was inaugurated by CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
International Participation: 43 delegates from 23 countries are involved.
State Visits: Delegates will visit Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Democratic Engagement: The program fosters international cooperation in electoral practices.
Hands-On Experience: Delegates engage in mock polls and observe actual elections.
New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) Calling the electoral process in India a celebration of democracy, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar officially launched the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) for 2026 on Tuesday. This initiative opens a channel for foreign delegates to gain insights from the forthcoming Assembly elections across five States/UTs.
The IEVP will see 43 delegates from 23 nations, including members from five Foreign Missions based in Delhi, participating in the initial phase of the program. Their visits to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are scheduled for April 8-9, according to an official statement.
While inaugurating the IEVP at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), CEC Gyanesh Kumar noted that the second phase of the program will include visits to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu starting April 20.
Accompanied by Election Commissioners Dr. S.S. Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) regards elections as significant democratic celebrations and is committed to ensuring their integrity through a mission-oriented approach.
He encouraged IEVP participants to relish their time in the states, explore, learn, and experience India’s vast diversity.
Delegates were introduced to the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) during a session at IIIDEM, where they engaged in a mock poll to experience the voting process firsthand, as mentioned in the statement.
The delegates expressed significant interest in the technological advancements and administrative safeguards in India’s election framework and participated in an interactive discussion with experts to clarify their questions.
The group will commence their travels to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry starting Wednesday.
They are slated to visit distribution centers, including District Control Rooms and Media Monitoring Centres, and observe the actual polling on the morning of April 9, as per the official release.
The IEVP is a premier initiative by the ECI aimed at fostering international cooperation and engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from various countries and international organizations. This program offers a detailed overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational strategies, while also familiarizing foreign EMB delegates with exemplary practices and innovations in election management.
Through the IEVP, the strengths of India’s electoral system are highlighted to the global community, showcasing best practices from the world’s largest democracy in conducting elections.
Point of View
India not only demonstrates its electoral integrity but also underscores the significance of learning and collaboration in governance. This initiative could enhance India's image as a democratic leader on the world stage while fostering international goodwill.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP)?
The IEVP aims to provide foreign delegates with insights into India's electoral processes and best practices while promoting international cooperation among Election Management Bodies.
How many countries are participating in the IEVP?
The IEVP involves 43 delegates from 23 different countries.
Which states will the delegates visit during the IEVP?
The delegates will first visit Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, followed by West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the second phase.
What activities are planned for the delegates during their visit?
Delegates will engage in mock polls, visit distribution centers, and observe actual polling activities, gaining hands-on experience of the voting process.
What is the significance of the EVM demonstration?
The demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) offers delegates a practical understanding of the voting process and the technological innovations used in Indian elections.
