Delhi hosted a powerhouse assembly of 42 election chiefs from around the globe during the IICDEM-2026 plenary at Bharat Mandapam. Led by India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the event zeroed in on existential threats to fair voting.
Joined by 60 international figures like diplomats, the leaders unpacked shared struggles: rampant fake news, cyberattacks, shaken public trust, and funding gaps. Vivid accounts from diverse nations painted a unified picture of urgency.
India shared its 2026 International IDEA agenda, pushing for polls that embrace technology for greater accessibility and openness. The focus remained on collective action to future-proof elections.
Spanning January 21-23, this conference marks India’s boldest initiative yet, convening global minds to swap innovations and build alliances. It not only highlights India’s electoral prowess but also paves the way for stronger democracies everywhere. Optimism ran high for tangible reforms emerging from these exchanges.