Archive · 21 Jan 2026
India Hosts Global Democracy Conference
India is hosting a big conference called IICDEM 2026.
It's a three-day event where people from around the world who work in elections will come together.
They will talk about how to make elections better and share ideas.
The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, welcomed everyone and talked about how important it is to have fair and transparent elections.
There will be meetings, discussions, and even a show about how India holds its elections.
The Telangana Chief Electoral Officer, C. Sudarshan Reddy, talked about how important it is to have easy but secure access to voter lists.
This helps people check their details and makes sure elections are fair.
Some people are happy with the changes being made to the voter lists, while others are worried it might not be fair.
It's a great chance for everyone to learn from each other and make democracy stronger.
The Election Commission of India is hosting the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026.
The three-day conference is the largest global gathering of its kind, with nearly 100 delegates from about 70 countries.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the importance of inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven electoral systems.
The event features general and plenary sessions, thematic sessions, and an exhibition showcasing India's election management initiatives.
Opposition parties have raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging manipulation, while the government and EC defend it as essential for a pure voters' list.
- Who
- Election Commission of India (ECI), delegates from 70 countries, Chief Electoral Officers, academic experts, Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy
- What
- India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026
- When
- Starting Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Why
- To strengthen democratic institutions globally, facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cooperation among election authorities and experts
Government and Election Commission
Opposition Parties
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls
Government and Election Commission
Asserts that SIR is essential for a pure voters' list and strengthens democracy. Highlights efficient conduct of Bihar elections without repolls or complaints.
Opposition Parties
Alleges that SIR is a move to manipulate votes and questions the government and Election Commission's intentions.
- Event
- India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026
- Location
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Duration
- Three days
- Delegates
- Nearly 100 from 70 countries
- Key Highlight
- Screening of 'India Decides' docuseries
- Participants
- Heads of EMBs, Chief Electoral Officers, academic experts
- Bilateral Meetings
- Over 40 with various EMBs
- Exhibition
- Showcasing India's election management initiatives
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- Process to purify electoral rolls, ensure accurate voter lists
- Bihar Elections
- No repolls ordered, no complaints filed during roll revision
- Voter Register Access
- Secure and user-friendly mechanisms for transparency and public trust
Sources
ECI hosts IICDEM 2026 global conference on democracy today
CEC says pure voters’ list key to strengthen democracy
IICDEM 2026: CEC Highlights Role of Transparent Polls, Welcomes Delegates From 70 Countries
ECI’s global meet on poll mgt begins
India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management 2026 kicks off in Delhi
Cause of democracy needs new champions, India’s leadership welcome: International expert
Heads of global election bodies convene in plenary at IICDEM-2026 in Delhi
