New Delhi/Stockholm, Dec 4 (NationPress) Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar officially embraced the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026, underscoring India’s rich democratic tradition and the Election Commission of India’s extensive experience in ensuring transparent and credible elections.

While addressing representatives from member nations, observer countries, and officials of International IDEA, Kumar delivered his acceptance speech first in Hindi and then in English.

He characterized the Election Commission of India as a constitutional entity responsible for overseeing elections for the President, Vice President, Parliament, and state legislatures.

He pointed out that India, with over 900 million voters across 28 states and eight Union Territories, has a strong and well-established electoral framework honed over nearly 75 years.

He also emphasized the magnitude of India’s election management, stating that during Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission transforms into “the largest organization on the planet,” mobilizing over one million personnel nationwide.

As the CEC, Kumar expressed pride in India being chosen as the Chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA, an intergovernmental body comprising 35 democratic nations and two observer countries.

“Every Indian is honored to witness India in this esteemed role,” he stated, adding that it demonstrates the global democratic community’s confidence in India’s electoral institutions.

On behalf of all Indian citizens, CEC Kumar offered his gratitude to the representatives of member states and officially accepted the Chairship.

He conveyed that India’s democratic ideals, administrative capabilities, and commitment to transparency would guide its actions during this term.

“As Chair, I assure you that during my tenure, with collaboration among all democratic nations, we will strive to further reinforce and enhance transparency in democracy and its processes worldwide,” he asserted.

He further highlighted India’s historical and civilizational connection to democratic practices, branding the nation as “the mother of democracy” and currently the largest democracy globally.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar concluded his address with “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” signaling India’s readiness to spearhead the Council’s efforts in 2026.

International IDEA announced India’s election as Chair earlier this week after a meeting of the Council in Stockholm, where India took over the role from Switzerland.

Notably, CEC Gyanesh Kumar has now assumed the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 2026, marking a significant acknowledgment of India’s credibility as one of the world’s most experienced election management systems.

The ceremony was held in Stockholm, where CEC Kumar was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan, and subsequently engaged in discussions with International IDEA Secretary-General Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora.

The Election Commission stated that the chairship reflects the organization’s trust in India as a founding member that has consistently contributed to democratic reforms and institutional strengthening among member countries.

He also recalled the upcoming 2024 General Election, noting that over 20,000 candidates from 743 political parties, including six national and 67 state parties, will participate, making it one of the largest electoral endeavors globally.

India has been designated as the Chair of International IDEA—the intergovernmental organization that promotes sustainable democracy worldwide—for the year 2026. The announcement was made following a Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, where India formally took over the Chairship from Switzerland, the outgoing Chair for 2025.

International IDEA shared this development in an official post on X, stating: “The Council of Member States of @Int_IDEA has elected #India as the Institute’s Chair for 2026. India assumed the annual Chairship from the 2025 Chair, Switzerland, at a meeting of the Council in Stockholm, Sweden, on 3 December 2025.

India has been a member of International IDEA since 2017. Its elevation to the Chairship for 2026 positions it prominently in overseeing the organization’s democratic assistance frameworks, institutional priorities, and collaborative initiatives with member states in the upcoming year.

International IDEA is tasked with promoting democracy globally by offering comparative insights, facilitating democratic reforms, and supporting electoral processes, the rule of law, and political participation.

The organization currently comprises 35 member countries from all regions, including democracies in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. The Chairship rotates annually among member states.