India Hosts Global Election Chiefs for Democracy Conference

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to host the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 in New Delhi. This three-day event will bring together representatives from 42 election management bodies and over 90 international delegates, including officials from the US and Bhutan. The conference will focus on key issues such as voter roll management, technological interventions in elections, and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises. It aims to provide a platform for international cooperation among election management bodies, enabling the exchange of practices and innovations, and developing shared responses to contemporary electoral challenges. India assumes the chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026, with the conference following the theme 'Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world.' The ECI said the event will serve as a forum to examine global challenges faced by election authorities, including voter registration, electoral roll integrity, misinformation, campaign regulation, and the use of technology in elections. Over 40 bilateral meetings are scheduled between the Chief Election Commissioner and heads of participating election authorities. The conference will also feature the launch of ECINet, the ECI's integrated digital platform, and thematic discussions on seven global electoral themes, 11 model international electoral standards, and 25 sessions on best practices and innovations in electoral processes. Academic participation will include representatives from top Indian universities and international experts. The conference is expected to institutionalise regular international engagement on election management and position IIIDEM as a hub for global dialogue on electoral processes.