What Happened When Heads of Global Election Bodies Gathered in Delhi?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal gathering at the IICDEM 2026 in New Delhi, leaders of election management bodies from 42 countries convened to address urgent global electoral challenges. This high-level plenary session focused on enhancing international cooperation, sharing insights, and exploring innovative solutions to safeguard democracy in an evolving landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Global Cooperation: Emphasizing the need for enhanced international collaboration in election management.
- Innovative Electoral Practices: Focusing on the innovation in electoral processes to address modern challenges.
- Inclusivity: Addressing the importance of inclusivity in voter participation for democratic resilience.
- Experience Sharing: Participants shared experiences and insights on overcoming common hurdles.
- Leadership: India’s growing role in facilitating global dialogues on democracy.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) The leaders of 42 global election management bodies convened for a significant plenary session on Wednesday as part of the ongoing India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam.
This session acted as a vital forum for comprehensive discussions addressing the urgent global challenges facing election administration today.
The proceedings commenced with Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Nearly 60 international representatives, including leaders from election management organizations and ambassadors or high commissioners from various nations, actively participated in the discussions.
The EMB Leaders' Plenary united prominent figures from electoral authorities worldwide, along with diplomatic representatives, to foster open and strategic dialogues about democracy and election management challenges.
This platform allowed participants to exchange experiences, confront shared obstacles, and seek collaborative solutions in light of evolving threats to democratic processes, such as misinformation, technological disruptions, and the need for inclusivity in voter participation.
The discussions emphasized the necessity for enhanced international cooperation to preserve the integrity and resilience of elections globally. In 2026, India, serving as the chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), outlined its thematic priorities for the year.
These priorities correspond with the overarching conference theme of democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world, showcasing a holistic vision for democratic governance in the 21st century.
The priorities focus on innovation in electoral practices, capacity building for election bodies, and fostering partnerships to address contemporary challenges.
The plenary underscored India's expanding role in steering global conversations on these issues, leveraging its extensive experience in managing large-scale, diverse elections.
Organized by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management under the Election Commission of India, the conference continues to host plenary and thematic sessions throughout the three-day event.
IICDEM-2026, with representation from over 70 countries at various levels, stands as the largest gathering of its kind hosted by India, advocating for best practices, technological advancements, and mutual learning among electoral stakeholders worldwide.
The outcomes are anticipated to enhance global standards and cooperation in protecting democratic processes.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the importance of global cooperation in election management. The discussions at IICDEM 2026 highlight the challenges faced today and emphasize the necessity for shared solutions. This gathering not only showcases India's leadership but also reinforces our commitment to democracy, ensuring that electoral processes remain transparent and resilient in the face of contemporary challenges.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IICDEM 2026?
The India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 is a global platform where election management bodies from various countries convene to discuss and share best practices in electoral processes.
Who participated in the plenary session?
The plenary session included heads of 42 election management bodies, nearly 60 international delegates, and diplomats from various countries.
What were the key topics discussed?
Key topics included global challenges in election administration, misinformation, technological disruptions, and the importance of inclusivity in voter participation.
What is India's role in this conference?
India is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in 2026 and is presenting thematic priorities that align with the conference's overarching goals.
How many countries are represented at IICDEM 2026?
The conference has participation from over 70 countries, making it the largest gathering of its kind hosted by India.
