ECI to Host IICDEM-2026, showcasing India’s leadership in global election management

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi . Organized by the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM) , the three-day conference is expected to be the largest global gathering in the field of democracy and election management hosted by India.

Nearly 100 delegates from over 70 countries will participate in IICDEM-2026, along with representatives of international organisations, foreign missions in India, and leading academics and experts in electoral processes. Countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania are expected to be represented, making it a truly global platform for exchange of knowledge and experiences in the electoral domain.

Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar , along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi , will inaugurate the conference on January 21. The event will feature 36 thematic breakout sessions led by State and Union Territory Chief Electoral Officers, supported by national and international experts , as well as over 40 bilateral meetings with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to discuss challenges, innovations, and collaboration in election management.

Leading Indian academic institutions, including 4 IITs, 6 IIMs, 12 National Law Universities (NLUs), and IIMC , will contribute to discussions on global electoral issues, model international standards, and best practices . Additionally, the conference will witness the launch of ECINET , ECI’s digital platform for election-related information and services, and an exhibition highlighting India’s electoral processes, demonstrating the scale, complexity, and transparency of elections in the country.

IICDEM-2026 underscores India’s effectiveness in election management at the global level , showing how the country, which conducts the world’s largest democratic exercise, has developed robust systems for electoral rolls, polling operations, and technological integration . By bringing together international delegates, policymakers, and academics, the conference positions India as a knowledge hub and thought leader in democratic governance , enabling cross-border collaboration and exchange of innovations in election management.

The event also includes the screening of the docuseries “India Decides” , highlighting the making of India’s largest elections, further illustrating the administrative excellence and democratic robustness of India’s electoral system.

With IICDEM-2026, India not only showcases its electoral achievements but also reinforces its commitment to strengthening democracy globally , providing a platform for countries to learn from its experience while contributing to the advancement of electoral integrity worldwide.