New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) As the initial phase of the Bihar Assembly elections commenced, a delegation of 16 international observers from six different nations arrived in the state to experience the dynamic democratic practices of the world's largest democracy.

The team, which included election officials and diplomats from Indonesia, South Africa, the Philippines, Colombia, Thailand, and Belgium, was in India as part of the Election Commission of India's International Election Visitors Programme (IEVP).

The delegates examined numerous facets of the electoral procedure—from polling station setups to technological applications and voter assistance—gaining firsthand knowledge of how India executes its extensive elections with remarkable efficiency and transparency.

In an interview with IANS, Idham Holik, Commissioner at Indonesia's Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU), stated, “My experience in Bihar has been profoundly inspiring. It was evident that the elections were conducted fairly. India is indeed the epitome of democracy.”

Similarly, Mashudubele Sedula Mamabobo from the South African Embassy commended the integration of technology within the Indian electoral framework.

“The elections in Bihar were extraordinary. We acquired valuable insights that we can share back in South Africa. We posed challenging questions, and the officials provided comprehensive answers. The enthusiasm among voters was truly moving,” he remarked, noting that India's digital systems are significantly advanced compared to South Africa's paper-based voting.

Rogelio B. Silva Jr. from the Philippine Embassy also praised the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer for their “exceptional arrangements.”

“We were struck by the transparent and rapid electoral process. The innovative blend of technology simplifies voting for citizens,” he added.

For the visiting delegates, witnessing Bihar's election transformed into more than mere observation—it became an enlightening experience of how the world's largest democracy merges tradition, technology, and trust to maintain the essence of free and fair elections.

The IEVP is a premier initiative by the ECI aimed at fostering international collaboration and engagement with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from various countries and global organizations.

Established in 2014, the IEVP serves as the ECI's primary platform for international interaction with EMBs and global democratic entities. Through this program, India highlights its electoral best practices while enabling mutual learning with partner nations.

This year's edition emphasizes India's expanding role as a leader in electoral management, with the ECI showcasing the Bihar elections as a live exhibition of its operational scale, transparency, and integrity.