ECI Prepares Ground for IICDEM 2026, Holds Conference of Chief Electoral Officers
Chief Election Commissioner briefs CEOs on framework and themes of global democracy and election management meet to be held in New Delhi in January
In the run-up to the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
The conference was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, who briefed the CEOs on the framework, objectives and operational nuances of IICDEM 2026, scheduled to be held from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the CEC underscored India’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions globally. “IICDEM 2026 will provide a unique platform for election management bodies across the world to share experiences, best practices and innovations, building a collective body of knowledge in the field of election management,” he said, while outlining the critical role CEOs will play during the international conference.
The Election Commissioners also detailed the responsibilities assigned to the CEOs, particularly in steering the thematic discussions and facilitating meaningful engagement with international delegates. Following the addresses, the CEOs deliberated on 36 thematic groups that will be led by them during IICDEM 2026. These themes span the entire spectrum of election management, drawing upon the diverse and rich experiences of election management bodies (EMBs) globally.
IICDEM 2026 is poised to be the largest global conference of its kind hosted by India in the domain of democracy and election administration. Nearly 100 international delegates representing EMBs from across the world are expected to participate, alongside representatives from international organisations, foreign missions in India, and leading academic and practising experts.
The three-day conference will feature high-level general and plenary sessions, including the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, EMB Working Group Meetings and the launch of ECINET. These will be complemented by thematic sessions focusing on global electoral challenges, model international electoral standards, and innovations and best practices in electoral processes.
Adding a strong academic dimension to the deliberations, the conference will see participation from premier institutions such as 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). The 36 thematic groups will be jointly led by CEOs of States and union Territories, with contributions from national and international academic experts.
With extensive bilateral engagements, over 40 bilateral meetings, and 36 breakout sessions planned, IICDEM 2026 is expected to reinforce India’s leadership role in promoting democratic values and strengthening election management practices worldwide.