India to host IICDEM 2026, a landmark global summit on democracy and election management

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced it would organize a major three-day international conference, IICDEM 2026, from January 21 to 23, at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The IICDEM 2026 aims to serve as a premier global platform, bringing together electoral leaders, experts, and scholars to exchange best practices, tackle emerging challenges, and strengthen international cooperation in election management.

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The conference is expected to welcome nearly 100 international delegates representing 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from around the world, along with 20 prominent national and international academic experts. This unique blend of practitioners and scholars underscores India’s effort to connect theoretical insights on democracy with the practical realities of conducting massive, inclusive elections.

The event arrives at a pivotal moment when electoral systems worldwide face growing pressures from technological evolution, misinformation, and the need for greater transparency. As the world’s largest democracy—often hailed as the “Mother of Democracy”—India continues to lead in forums like the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB).

Through IICDEM 2026, the ECI seeks to showcase India’s proven expertise in managing one of the planet’s most complex and diverse electorates, while fostering dialogue on universal values such as inclusivity, transparency, and voter participation.

The conference aligns with India’s 2026 chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA, under the inspiring theme: “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world.”

This landmark summit promises to be the largest of its kind ever hosted by India in the field of election management and democratic governance.