India Hosts IICDEM 2026: Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi
India Hosts Inaugural Global Conference on Democracy and Election Management
Published: January 15, 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting 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 event has been organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the aegis of the ECI, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation on democratic governance and election administration. 1
Nearly 100 international delegates from representative Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide will participate, along with officials from international organisations, foreign missions in India, and renowned academic and electoral experts. This will make IICDEM 2026 one of the largest global gatherings focused on election management ever held in India. 2
The conference will advance the strategic agenda outlined by India’s Chief Election Commissioner and is anchored around the theme “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world”. It coincides with India assuming the Chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for the year 2026 — an international institute dedicated to supporting democratic institutions and electoral processes globally. 3
The programme features a variety of sessions including an inaugural plenary, leadership discussions with heads of election bodies, thematic workshops, and the launch of ECINet — a digital network aimed at strengthening global election cooperation. During the event, the ECI leadership is expected to hold over 40 bilateral meetings with representatives of participating election authorities. 4
Academic institutions from India such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), National Law Universities (NLUs), and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) are also contributing to the conference through 36 thematic groups exploring global electoral standards, best practices, and innovative approaches to election administration. 5
The conference underscores India’s growing role on the international stage in fostering democratic cooperation and sharing innovations in election management with countries around the world. 6

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