The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified preparations for the upcoming India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, scheduled to be held from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This announcement followed a high-level conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), where the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, addressed key operational and thematic arrangements for the event.

IICDEM 2026 is expected to be a landmark international event, drawing participation from nearly 100 delegates representing 42 election management bodies from across the globe. Confirmed participants include delegations from countries such as the United States and Bhutan, alongside representatives from international organisations and foreign missions based in India. The event is being organized under the aegis of IIIDEM as India assumes the chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for 2026. The overarching theme of the conference is “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world,” reflecting India’s commitment to fostering democratic values globally.

At the preparatory meeting, CEOs were briefed on their roles in leading thematic discussions during IICDEM. They will oversee 36 breakout groups focused on diverse aspects of election management and democratic governance. These breakout sessions aim to facilitate a detailed exchange of knowledge, with discussions centering on global electoral practices, emerging challenges, and innovations in election administration. The thematic pillars for the conference include reimagining democracy for the future and examining the role of professional and independent election management bodies in sustaining democratic systems.

The conference programme has been designed to encourage interaction between election administrators and international delegates. It includes a series of general and plenary sessions such as the inaugural ceremony, a plenary of election management leaders, and working group meetings. One of the key highlights of the event will be the launch of ECINet, the Election Commission’s integrated digital platform, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in electoral administration. In addition, more than 40 bilateral meetings have been scheduled between the Chief Election Commissioner, election commissioners, and heads of participating election authorities, facilitating in-depth discussions on electoral governance challenges and collaborative strategies.

The 36 breakout groups, headed by Chief Electoral Officers, are expected to focus on model international electoral standards, innovations in electoral processes, and best practices from different political, legal, and social contexts. By collating experiences from various election management bodies worldwide, the conference seeks to build a comprehensive repository of knowledge on electoral administration, voter engagement, institutional independence, and technological interventions in elections.

One of the distinctive features of IICDEM 2026 is the emphasis on familiarising international participants with India’s electoral framework, administrative mechanisms, and technological systems. This includes demonstrations of voter registration processes, roll revision exercises, and the use of digital platforms to enhance election efficiency and integrity. Officials from the Election Commission highlighted that such engagement will allow international delegates to observe India’s robust electoral practices, which combine large-scale operational management with technological innovation.

In addition to election administrators, the conference will see extensive academic participation. Representatives from four Indian Institutes of Technology, six Indian Institutes of Management, 12 National Law Universities, and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication are slated to contribute to discussions. Both national and international academic experts will join election officials to provide research-backed insights and analyses on electoral systems, governance challenges, and policy innovations. This multidisciplinary engagement is designed to enrich the dialogue and support evidence-based policy recommendations.

According to Election Commission officials, IICDEM 2026 aims to institutionalize regular international engagement in the field of election management. The conference seeks to foster cooperation among election authorities globally at a time when electoral systems worldwide are grappling with technological, operational, and regulatory challenges. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing, best practices exchange, and bilateral consultations, the event will strengthen collaborative efforts among election management bodies and enhance resilience in democratic processes globally.

The preparatory sessions and briefings at IIIDEM also emphasized the importance of detailed planning and coordination among Indian electoral officials. CEOs were instructed on their roles in facilitating breakout sessions, managing thematic discussions, and ensuring smooth interactions with international delegates. The Election Commission reiterated that meticulous preparation is essential for demonstrating India’s leadership in democratic governance and election management on the global stage.

In conclusion, IICDEM 2026 represents a strategic initiative by India to showcase its expertise in democratic administration and election management while promoting international cooperation in the electoral domain. By bringing together election officials, academic experts, and international delegates, the three-day conference will facilitate the exchange of ideas, sharing of best practices, and development of innovative solutions to contemporary electoral challenges. The Election Commission has also indicated that further preparatory meetings will be held in the days leading up to the event to finalize arrangements and ensure that IICDEM 2026 proceeds smoothly, setting a benchmark for international collaboration in democratic governance.