India has been elected as the Chair of the
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International
IDEA) Council for 2026. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, representing
India, assumed the chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy
and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in Stockholm, Sweden. As the
world's largest democracy with over 900 million voters, India will leverage its
extensive experience in electoral administration while assuming the
chairmanship of International IDEA for 2026 and contribute to strengthening
election management bodies worldwide.
International IDEA
¨
International IDEA,
established in 1995, is an intergovernmental organization currently comprising
35 member states, with the United States and Japan holding observer status.
¨
International IDEA has
had observer status in the United Nations General Assembly since 2003.
¨
India is a founding
member of International IDEA and has actively participated in its governance processes
and collaborated on electoral research, capacity building, and training
programs.
Why is India's selection
significant?
India's selection is
considered significant because:
¨
India is known as the
world's largest democracy.
¨
Its free and large-scale
elections are considered a model for the world.
¨
India's Election
Commission system, EVM technology, and voter participation model are
internationally acclaimed.
What will India's role be?
As Chair in 2026, India will
¨
Preside over Council
meetings.
¨
Drive and guide
democratic cooperation programs and policies.
¨
Contribute to global
electoral reforms, institutional building, and governance models.
Global Significance
India's chairmanship will
¨
Provide a platform for
the voices of developing countries.
¨
Promote new ideas and
collaboration on issues such as democracy, digital electoral systems, and
transparency.
