ECI to Host Global Election Conference IICDEM 2026, Showcasing Electoral Practices

ECI to Convene Global Summit on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi

The  Election Commission of India (ECI)  is set to host the  India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026  in New Delhi from  January 21 to 23, 2026 . The conference will assemble  election officials, policymakers, and academic experts  from across the globe, aiming to showcase India's electoral expertise and promote international dialogue on  strengthening democratic institutions .

Spotlight on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls
A central theme of the conference will be India's  Special Intensive Revision (SIR)  of electoral rolls, highlighted by the ECI as a  critical initiative for enhancing electoral integrity . The SIR process focuses on  maximizing the inclusion of eligible voters  while  rigorously purging ineligible entries . By presenting this model internationally, the ECI seeks to demonstrate its balanced approach to achieving both  inclusivity and accuracy  in voter registration—a foundational element for credible elections.

Scale and Scope of IICDEM 2026
The event is poised to be India's  largest-ever global electoral gathering , with approximately  100 delegates from 70 countries  expected to attend.  Election Management Bodies (EMBs)  worldwide will engage in plenary and thematic sessions addressing  contemporary electoral challenges, evolving global standards, and innovative administrative practices . An accompanying exhibition will illustrate the  magnitude and complexity of conducting elections in India , featuring recent advancements in electoral roll preparation and election conduct.

Institutional Leadership and Academic Partnership
The inaugural session on January 21 will be led by the  Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners . The conference will feature  36 thematic groups  helmed by  Chief Electoral Officers  from various Indian states and Union Territories. Prominent  academic institutions , including  IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication , will contribute scholarly insights to the deliberations, bridging theory and practice.

Digital Initiatives and Bilateral Cooperation
Alongside the conference, the ECI will unveil  ECINET , a  unified digital platform  designed to consolidate election-related information and services. The event will also facilitate  over 40 bilateral meetings  with foreign EMBs to bolster cooperation on common electoral challenges. A  documentary series on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections  will be screened, underscoring India's experience in administering the  world’s largest democratic exercise .

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Constitutional Body:  The Election Commission of India is established under  Article 324  of the Indian Constitution.

• Core Function:  Preparing and revising electoral rolls is a  key statutory function  of the ECI.

• Event:   India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 , from  Jan 21-23, 2026  in New Delhi.

• Key Initiative:   Special Intensive Revision (SIR)  of electoral rolls.

• Digital Platform:  Launch of  ECINET , a unified digital portal for election services.