The International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, organised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), concluded on January 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.
The three-day conference brought together global election administrators, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on strengthening democratic institutions and improving election management practices worldwide.
Global Participation at IICDEM 2026
The closing session was attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, heads of 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs), experts from over 70 national institutions, senior ECI officials, and Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from 36 States and Union Territories.
During the session, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar formally read out the Delhi Declaration 2026, which was adopted unanimously by all participating EMBs.
Five Pillars of the Delhi Declaration 2026
Under the Delhi Declaration, participating EMBs resolved to collaborate across five core pillars:
- Purity of Electoral Rolls
- Conduct of Elections
- Research and Publications
- Use of Technology
- Training and Capacity Building
The EMBs also agreed to periodically review progress on these commitments and proposed to reconvene on December 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
Key Collaborative Initiatives Announced
As part of the declaration, EMBs resolved to undertake several joint initiatives, including:
- Development of a co-curated Encyclopaedia of Democracies of the World
- Preparation of comprehensive reports on global electoral themes, with seven themes led by International IDEA and 36 themes led by IIIDEM
- Co-development of digital platforms, similar to ECINET
- Enhanced training, professional exchange, and sharing of transparent electoral practices through IIIDEM
These initiatives aim to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and trust in electoral processes globally.
Leadership Perspectives on Democratic Cooperation
In his keynote address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar said the conference had sparked meaningful discussions on model international electoral standards. Referring to over 40 bilateral meetings held during the event, he noted that these interactions expanded mutual cooperation and understanding of shared democratic priorities.
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu highlighted that the openness, mutual respect, and willingness to learn from one another demonstrated the maturity and professionalism of the global electoral community.
Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi emphasised the significance of ECINET, ECI’s integrated digital election platform, stating that it reflects India’s technological progress while ensuring that technology supports trust rather than replaces it.
Highlights From the Three-Day Conference
IICDEM 2026 was the largest international conference of its kind hosted by the ECI and was inaugurated with a grand reception and inaugural session attended by nearly 1,000 participants, including:
- Delegates from 42 EMBs
- Heads of Missions from 27 countries
Key events during the conference included:
- The EMB Leaders’ Plenary, facilitating high-level exchanges among global election leaders and diplomats
- Launch of ECINET on Day 2, serving as a one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services
- In-depth deliberations by 36 thematic groups, led by CEOs of States and UTs and supported by leading national and international academic institutions
Strengthening Global Electoral Standards
Through collaborative dialogue, thematic discussions, and institutional partnerships, IICDEM 2026 reinforced India’s role as a global convenor on democratic governance and election management. The Delhi Declaration 2026 is expected to serve as a guiding framework for continued cooperation among EMBs in advancing free, fair, and transparent elections worldwide.
Source: PIB Press Release (ID: 2217708)