Global Participation and High-Level Engagement
Delegates attending IICDEM 2026 include senior officials from Election Management Bodies (EMBs), representatives of international organisations, members of foreign missions in India, and leading academic and practising experts in electoral governance. The diversity of participation underscores the global relevance of the conference and India’s experience in managing the world’s largest democratic exercise.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, will formally receive the international delegates and flag off the proceedings at the inaugural session on January 21.
Extensive Programme Over Three Days
The conference agenda is designed to encourage both broad discussions and in-depth technical exchanges. The programme includes inaugural and plenary sessions, an EMB Leaders’ Plenary, and working group meetings of Election Management Bodies.
Thematic sessions will focus on global electoral challenges, evolving international electoral standards, and innovations and best practices in election management. These sessions aim to provide practical insights that can be adapted to diverse democratic contexts.
36 Breakout Sessions Led by Experts
A total of 36 thematic breakout groups have been scheduled during the conference. These groups will be led by Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of States and Union Territories, supported by national and international academic experts.
The discussions will draw on expertise from leading academic institutions, including four Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), 12 National Law Universities (NLUs) and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). This academic engagement is expected to enrich deliberations with research-based perspectives and practical policy recommendations.
Bilateral Meetings and International Cooperation
Beyond plenary discussions, the Election Commission of India will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with Election Management Bodies from participating countries. These meetings are intended to deepen cooperation and facilitate candid exchanges on shared challenges such as voter participation, election integrity, use of technology and countering misinformation.
Officials said the bilateral engagements would help strengthen long-term institutional partnerships and promote mutual learning among democracies at different stages of electoral development.
Launch of ECINET and Technology Showcase
A key highlight of IICDEM 2026 will be the formal launch of ECINET, the Election Commission of India’s one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services. The platform is designed to enhance transparency, accessibility and efficiency in election administration.
In parallel, an exhibition will be organised to showcase the scale and complexity of conducting elections in India. The exhibition will highlight recent initiatives taken by the ECI to strengthen the two core pillars of elections preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of polls.
Showcasing India’s Electoral Journey
On the opening day of the conference, a docuseries titled “India Decides” will be screened. The series chronicles the making of the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, widely regarded as the largest democratic exercise in the world.
The screening is expected to provide international delegates with a visual and narrative account of the logistical, technological and institutional efforts involved in managing elections on an unprecedented scale.
India’s Growing Role in Global Democratic Discourse
IICDEM 2026 marks a significant step in India’s efforts to contribute actively to global democratic discourse. By hosting a conference of this scale, the Election Commission of India aims to position the country as a hub for dialogue on democratic resilience, electoral integrity and innovation.
As the world’s largest democracy opens its doors to global electoral leaders, IICDEM 2026 is expected to set new benchmarks for international cooperation in the field of election management.
