India will host the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 from 21 to 23 January 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Organised by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the Election Commission of India (ECI), the event will bring together election officials, international organisations, foreign missions, and academic experts to discuss democracy, election management, and global electoral standards.
Global Platform for Election Management Bodies
IICDEM 2026 is designed as a major international forum for Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world. Nearly 100 international delegates are expected to participate. The conference aims to promote cooperation among EMBs, share best practices, and develop common responses to challenges in election administration.
India’s Electoral Experience in Focus
The conference will showcase India’s electoral framework, processes, and technological innovations. It will familiarise global participants with India’s experience in managing large-scale elections. The event is also linked to India’s chairship of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026, with the theme of building a democracy that is inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable.
Key Sessions and Institutional Participation
The programme will include the Inaugural Session, EMB Leaders’ Plenary, EMB Working Group Meetings, and the launch of ECINet. Thematic sessions will cover global electoral themes, model international electoral standards, and innovations in electoral processes. The ECI leadership will also hold more than 40 bilateral meetings with participating delegates during the three-day conference.
Academic and Capacity-Building Dimension
The conference will involve leading academic institutions, including IITs, IIMs, NLUs, and IIMCs. Around 36 thematic groups led by state and UT chief electoral officers, along with national and international experts, will contribute to the discussions. The event also marks IIIDEM’s role as a growing global centre for election capacity building and democratic cooperation.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026