India Hosts IICDEM 2026: Global Election Experts Converge January 21-23

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New Delhi, India - The Election Commission of India (ECI) is gearing up to host the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from January 21-23 at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The three-day conference will bring together nearly 100 international delegates representing 42 election management bodies from across the world, including the United States and Bhutan. According to ECI officials, the conference will focus on operational and thematic preparations for IICDEM 2026, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressing the conference alongside election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The event aims to facilitate discussions on shared challenges, exchange practices and innovations, and promote cooperation among election management bodies. Thematic discussions at the conference will centre on two broad pillars: reimagining democracy for the future and the role of professional and independent election management bodies in sustaining democratic systems. The 36 breakout groups, led by Chief Electoral Officers, will focus on global electoral themes, model international electoral standards, and best practices and innovations in electoral processes. The conference will also provide a platform for international participants to familiarize themselves with India's electoral framework, administrative processes, and technological systems used in the conduct of elections. Academic participation will include representatives from top Indian institutions, alongside national and international experts. As India assumes the chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026, the conference is set to institutionalize regular international engagement on election management and strengthen cooperation among election authorities at a time when electoral systems globally face operational, technological, and regulatory challenges.