Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting the inaugural India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management from January 21 to 23 at Bharat Mandapam, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen global democratic processes.
The three-day conference has brought together nearly 100 delegates from more than 70 countries, creating a global platform for dialogue on contemporary challenges and best practices in election management. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is leading the deliberations, which span 36 thematic sessions and over 40 bilateral meetings.
Discussions are focused on critical areas such as technological innovations in elections, voter participation and inclusion, combating misinformation, and safeguarding electoral integrity. The conference also benefits from academic and technical inputs from premier Indian institutions, including IITs, IIMs, and National Law Universities, underscoring a multidisciplinary approach to election governance.
Delegations from countries such as Uruguay, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and several others were given personal welcomes, reflecting India’s emphasis on diplomatic outreach and knowledge-sharing. The initiative highlights India’s intent to position itself as a global hub for electoral expertise, drawing on its experience of conducting elections on an unparalleled scale.
By convening election authorities, policymakers, and experts from across the world, the conference aims to foster collaboration, exchange innovative ideas, and reinforce democratic values. The ECI’s initiative signals India’s growing role in promoting free, fair, and transparent elections worldwide, while contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions at the global level.
-OdishaAge
