India to Host First Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management in 2026

IICDEM 2026: Election Commission Positions India as Global Hub for Electoral Governance

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)–2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026 , at Bharat Mandapam , New Delhi. The three-day event marks a significant step in positioning India as a global platform for dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building in democratic governance and election management.

Global Platform for Election Management Bodies

The conference is being organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI. IICDEM 2026 is expected to be the largest international conference on election management hosted by India , with nearly 100 international delegates representing Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world. Officials from international organisations, members of foreign diplomatic missions in India, and leading academics and election practitioners will also participate.

Theme and India’s International Leadership

The conference aligns with the vision outlined by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following India’s assumption of the Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026 . The overarching theme— “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world” —reflects India’s emphasis on strengthening democratic resilience and inclusive governance globally.

Programme Structure and Key Sessions

According to IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Verma , the conference will foster collaboration among EMBs through the exchange of best practices, innovations, and solutions to emerging electoral challenges. The programme includes an Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, Working Group Meetings, thematic sessions on international electoral standards, and the launch of ECINet , a digital platform for global election cooperation. Delegates will also be introduced to India’s electoral framework and technology-driven election management systems.

Academic Engagement and Bilateral Interactions

The ECI leadership, including Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi , will hold over 40 bilateral meetings with heads of EMBs and international delegates. Leading academic institutions—such as IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities and IIMCs—will contribute through 36 thematic groups . The event will also showcase the IIIDEM Dwarka campus , underlining India’s growing role in global capacity building for democratic and electoral governance.

Important Facts for Exams

• IICDEM 2026 is the first international conference on election management hosted by India

• IIIDEM operates under the Election Commission of India

• International IDEA works to promote sustainable democracy worldwide

• India will chair International IDEA’s Council of Member States in 2026