New Delhi: The three-day International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026, reaffirming global commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
The closing session was attended by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, along with Chief Electoral Officers from all Indian States and Union Territories.
Delhi Declaration 2026: Five Pillars of Cooperation
Reading out the declaration, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar said the Delhi Declaration represents a shared vision for upholding electoral integrity in an increasingly complex global environment.
The declaration rests on five key pillars: purity of electoral rolls, conduct of elections, research and publications, responsible use of technology, and training and capacity building. Participating EMBs committed to working collectively across these areas while reviewing progress through periodic engagements.
The EMBs also agreed to reconvene in December 2026 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi, to assess advancements made under the declaration.
Global Knowledge Sharing and Innovation
A major outcome of the conference was the decision to co-curate an Encyclopaedia of Democracies of the World, aimed at documenting diverse democratic models, electoral systems, and best practices.
In addition, comprehensive reports on seven global electoral themes led by International IDEA and 36 themes coordinated by IIIDEM will be developed. These initiatives seek to promote research-driven policy making and strengthen institutional memory in election management.
The EMBs also resolved to collaborate on digital platforms similar to India’s ECINET and expand training exchanges through IIIDEM to promote transparency and professionalism.
Leadership Voices on Democracy
In his keynote address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar highlighted that IICDEM 2026 had ignited meaningful conversations on model international electoral standards. He noted that over 40 bilateral meetings held during the conference deepened mutual understanding and cooperation among EMBs.
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu observed that the openness and willingness to learn from each other reflected the maturity of the global electoral community.
Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi emphasised that ECINET symbolises India’s balanced approach to technology, ensuring that digital tools enhance trust rather than replace democratic accountability.
A Historic Gathering for Global Democracy
The conference, the first and largest of its kind, began with a grand inaugural session attended by nearly 1,000 participants, including international delegates and Heads of Missions from 27 countries.
High-level plenaries enabled ambassadors and election leaders to exchange perspectives on emerging democratic challenges, misinformation, and electoral resilience.
Thirty-six thematic groups led by Indian Chief Electoral Officers, supported by national and international academic experts, conducted in-depth discussions on electoral reforms, innovation, and global best practices.
