Global Leaders Unite at India’s IICDEM 2026 for Electoral Collaboration
The International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 concluded today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, culminating in the adoption of the significant Delhi Declaration 2026. This three-day event gathered top officials from election management bodies worldwide to discuss foundational pillars for enhancing electoral processes and governance.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, led the final session alongside Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. They were joined by representatives from 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and experts from over 70 national institutions, all uniting to endorse reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity and efficiency of electoral processes.
Key Resolutions from the Conference
During the closing session, CEC Kumar presented the Delhi Declaration 2026, emphasizing collaboration on essential areas such as the purity of electoral rolls, effective conduct of elections, research initiatives, technology integration, and professional training. The EMBs pledged to undertake regular assessments of their collaborative efforts, with plans to reconvene on December 3-5, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
The leaders also expressed their commitment to creating a co-curated Encyclopaedia of Democracies, alongside comprehensive reports on diverse electoral themes. They aim to co-develop digital platforms, similar to ECINET, to facilitate transparency and professionalism in election management.
Highlights of the Conference
CEC Kumar noted that the conference sparked vital discussions on international electoral standards, underpinned by over 40 bilateral meetings that fostered mutual understanding and collaboration among the participating nations. CEC Kumar stated, “This conference has ignited conversations regarding model international electoral standards,” showcasing a commitment to innovative practices.
Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of openness and respect within the global electoral community. He expressed pride in the maturity displayed by representatives during discussions.
Furthermore, Dr. Vivek Joshi underscored the significance of the ECINET platform, which acts as a central hub for election-related information, ensuring that technology underpins public trust rather than undermines it.
A Historic Gathering
IICDEM 2026 marked its historic entry as the largest event of its kind, commencing with an elaborate reception attended by nearly 1,000 delegates, including heads of missions from 27 countries. The event included a Leaders’ Plenary that facilitated high-level discussions on democratic governance and election management. The conference’s second day was marked by the formal launch of ECINET, a digital initiative aimed at centralizing resources for electoral services. Additionally, thematic groups composed of 36 chief electoral officers engaged in rich dialogues on international electoral standards and innovations. This significant gathering demonstrated a global commitment to enhancing democracy and electoral integrity, marking a pivotal point in international cooperation on electoral management.
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