What to Expect from the Upcoming India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management 2026?

Preparations Underway for IICDEM 2026

New Delhi: On Thursday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) convened a meeting with Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to discuss preparations for the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM)-2026.

This significant three-day event is set to take place from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

During the meeting held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, provided insights into the framework, goals, and operational details of IICDEM 2026, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the CEOs leading up to the conference.

After the opening remarks, the CEOs engaged in discussions across 36 thematic groups, each headed by a designated CEO. These themes encompass essential elements of election management, aiming to compile a comprehensive knowledge base by leveraging the varied experiences of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) globally.

IICDEM 2026 is poised to be the largest international conference of its kind hosted by India, focusing on democracy and election management. The event is expected to attract nearly 100 international delegates from EMBs worldwide, alongside representatives from international organizations, foreign missions in India, and leading experts in electoral processes.

The conference will include a variety of sessions, such as the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, EMB Working Group Meetings, and the launch of ECINET. Additionally, it will feature multiple thematic sessions addressing global electoral challenges, international electoral standards, and innovative practices in election management.

Prominent academic institutions will also participate in the discussions, including four IITs, six IIMs, 12 National Law Universities (NLUs), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). A total of 36 thematic groups, led by CEOs from various states and Union Territories, will be supported by national and international academic experts to enrich the dialogue.