CEC Gyanesh Kumar to chair global democracy body in 2026

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar is set to assume the prestigious role of Chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026, the Election Commission announced on Wednesday.

Kumar will officially take over at the council meeting of member states of International IDEA scheduled for December 3 in Stockholm. In his new role, he will preside over all council meetings throughout the year, guiding the organisation’s strategic decisions.

Founded in 1995, International IDEA is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting strong, inclusive, and accountable democracies worldwide. Currently, it has 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan participating as observers. India, a founding member, has been actively contributing to IDEA’s governance, democratic initiatives, and capacity-building programs.

Over the years, IDEA has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 28 countries and trained 3,169 officials from nearly 142 nations, strengthening democratic processes globally. Kumar’s appointment as Chair highlights India’s continued commitment to supporting democratic institutions and promoting international cooperation in electoral governance.

The headquarters of International IDEA is in Stockholm, Sweden.