Election Commission of India’s (ECI) 3-day conference International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 concluded today at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners (ECs) Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, Heads of 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs), experts from over 70 national institutions and senior officers of the ECI & 36 Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of States/UTs were present at the closing session of IICDEM-2026.
At the closing session, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar read out the Delhi Declaration 2026, which was unanimously adopted by the EMBs. The EMBs resolved to work together on the five pillars of the declaration relating to Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology and Training and Capacity Building.
The participants also resolved to review their progress periodically and proposed to meet on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of December 2026 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. The EMBs also resolved to bring out a co-curated Encyclopaedia of Democracies of the World, comprehensive reports on the seven themes which are being led by International IDEA and 36 themes led by IIIDEM; co-development of digital platforms, similar to ECINET; training and exchange of transparent practices through IIIDEM, to impart professionalism in the Conduct of Elections and preparation of Electoral Rolls.
In his keynote address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar, said that the conference has ignited conversations regarding model international electoral standards. Referring to the over 40 bilateral meetings held during the conference, CEC Kumar said they have contributed to expansion of mutual cooperation and understanding of collective priorities and perspectives.
Speaking at the closing session, EC Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu said that the openness, mutual respect, and willingness to learn from one another, reflect the maturity andprofessionalism of the global electoral community. In his address, EC Dr. Vivek Joshi said that the launch of ECINET has specifically been the standpoint for Indian technological advancement and has brought together the importance accorded by ECI to technology, reinforcing the measured adoption ensuring that technology supports trust rather than replace it.
The 3-day Conference, the first and the largest of its kind, was flagged off with a grand Reception Ceremony and the Inaugural Session, which was attended by nearly 1,000 persons including International Delegates from 42 EMBs and Heads of Missions of 27 countries.