India to Host Global Democracy Conference in January 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to welcome the world to the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)-2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This landmark three-day event will be organized by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the ECI’s guidance, aiming to spotlight India’s leadership in election management and democratic practices.
A Premier Global Gathering
IICDEM 2026 promises to be the largest global conference of its kind hosted by India, attracting close to 100 international delegates from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide. Attendees will include representatives from various international organizations, foreign missions in India, and distinguished experts in the electoral field, all converging to discuss vital issues related to democracy and election management.
The conference aligns with the agenda set by Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, during India’s Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026. The theme, “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world,” will guide discussions and collaborative efforts to advance democratic governance globally.
A Platform for International Cooperation
During a media interaction, Shri Rakesh Verma, Director General of IIIDEM, emphasized that IICDEM 2026 will serve as a vital platform for fostering international cooperation among EMBs. The conference aims to create a shared understanding of the evolving challenges in election management, facilitate best practices exchange, and co-develop innovative solutions to common issues.
Participants will gain insights into India’s electoral framework, processes, and technological advancements, which have elevated Indian elections as a model for democracies worldwide. The agenda will include general sessions such as the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, and thematic sessions focusing on global electoral themes and best practices in electoral processes.
Intensive Bilateral Engagements
Throughout the conference, ECI officials, led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, will engage in over 40 bilateral meetings with leaders from participating EMBs and other international delegates.
The conference will also see contributions from esteemed academic institutions, including four IITs and six IIMs, with 36 thematic groups led by CEOs of States/UTs and both national and international academic experts contributing to discussions.
Exploring IIIDEM’s Role
Following the press briefing, media attendees toured the IIIDEM campus in Dwarka, which is rapidly becoming one of the world’s largest institutes for capacity building in election organization and conduct. This initiative reinforces India’s commitment to developing global standards and enhancing its leadership role in democratic cooperation.
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