HT Bureau
DIPHU, Jan 23: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday concluded the three-day India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.
The closing session was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi. Heads of 42 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from over 70 countries, senior election officials and experts participated in the conference.
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The Delhi Declaration 2026 is built on five key pillars: Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology and Training and Capacity Building. Participating EMBs resolved to work collectively to strengthen democratic processes, enhance transparency and promote professionalism in election management.
During the conference, ECI also launched ECINET, its one-stop digital platform for election-related information and services. The event witnessed extensive deliberations through 36 thematic groups focusing on global electoral standards, best practices and innovations.
Nearly 1,000 delegates, including international participants from 42 EMBs and 27 countries, attended the conference, making it the first and largest of its kind.
The conference reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and advancing democratic values through innovation, training and shared best practices.
