Top Election Officials Outline Vision for IICDEM
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the CEOs during the conference. The leadership detailed the objectives, structure, and international significance of IICDEM 2026, while also defining the responsibilities of state and Union Territory CEOs in managing various thematic sessions.
The interaction focused on ensuring seamless coordination between national and state-level election authorities, reflecting the ECI’s emphasis on institutional preparedness and professional excellence. Officials highlighted that IICDEM is not merely a conference, but a platform for long-term global knowledge exchange on democratic governance.
36 Thematic Groups to Drive Knowledge Sharing
A major outcome of the CEO conference was the detailed discussion on 36 thematic groups that will form the backbone of IICDEM 2026. Each group will be led by a designated CEO and will focus on specific aspects of election management, including voter participation, use of technology, electoral integrity, inclusivity, and transparency.
These themes are designed to capture the diverse experiences of EMBs worldwide and convert them into actionable insights and best practices. According to officials, the deliberations are expected to contribute to a growing global repository of electoral knowledge.
Global Participation and Academic Collaboration
IICDEM 2026 will witness extensive international participation, including representatives from global organisations, foreign diplomatic missions in India, and renowned experts in electoral studies. Over 40 bilateral meetings and 36 breakout sessions have been scheduled to encourage focused and outcome-oriented discussions.
Prominent Indian academic institutions will also play a key role. The conference will see participation from four Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), twelve National Law Universities (NLUs), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Their involvement is expected to bridge the gap between academic research and practical election management.
Plenary Sessions and Launch of ECINET
The conference agenda includes high-level plenary sessions such as the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, and EMB Working Group Meetings. One of the key highlights will be the launch of ECINET, envisioned as a digital platform to facilitate continuous collaboration among election management bodies worldwide.
Thematic sessions will also focus on evolving global electoral standards, innovations in election processes, and emerging challenges faced by democracies in the digital age.
India’s Expanding Role in Global Democracy
By hosting IICDEM 2026, India aims to reaffirm its commitment to democratic values and institutional integrity. The ECI’s initiative reflects the country’s readiness to share its extensive experience of managing elections for nearly a billion voters.
