ECI to Host IICDEM 2026 Global Democracy Conference

The Election Commission of India will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)–2026 from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The three-day international event marks a major step in positioning India as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation on 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 under the aegis of the Election Commission of India. IICDEM 2026 is set to be the largest global conference of its kind hosted by India, with participation from nearly 100 international delegates representing Election Management Bodies from across the world. Representatives from international organisations, foreign missions in India, and academic and practising experts in electoral processes will also attend.

Theme and International Leadership Role

The conference will advance the agenda articulated 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 democratic resilience and inclusive governance at a global level.

Programme Structure and Key Sessions

According to Director General of IIIDEM, Rakesh Verma, the conference will enable cooperation among EMBs through exchange of best practices, innovations, and shared solutions to contemporary electoral challenges. The programme includes the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, Working Group Meetings, thematic sessions on international electoral standards, and the launch of ECINet. Participants will also be familiarised with India’s electoral framework and technological innovations.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• IICDEM 2026 is the first edition of an international conference on election management hosted by India.
• IIIDEM functions under the Election Commission of India.
• International IDEA promotes sustainable democracy worldwide.
• India will chair the Council of Member States of International IDEA in 2026.

Academic Engagement and Bilateral Interactions

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