Democracy: A Historical Perspective and Modern Challenges

Introduction to IICDEM 2026

NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 on Wednesday. This significant event, held in Delhi, welcomed delegates from 70 nations, providing a vital platform for discussions on democracy.

Successful Electoral Management in Bihar

Kumar showcased the successful execution of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, emphasizing that no appeals were made after the final electoral roll was published. The subsequent assembly election was notable for the absence of repolls. He stated, “A pure electoral roll, including every eligible elector as per law, is essential to strengthen democracy.”

The Challenges of Conducting Elections

In his speech, Kumar elaborated on the complexities of managing elections, which involve ensuring compliance with electoral laws and instructions from the Election Commission (EC). Highlighting the Bihar elections, he noted: “The conduct of polls becomes a challenging logistical affair as numerous voters need to adhere to these regulations."

Celebrating Democracy and Addressing Future Challenges

The primary objective of IICDEM 2026 is to celebrate democracy while navigating future challenges. Kumar addressed foreign delegates, including representatives from 42 electoral management bodies and 27 ambassadors/high commissioners. He asserted that Indian elections are one of the largest logistical exercises globally, involving over a billion voters and more than a million polling stations.

The Importance of Trust in Electoral Management

Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu underscored the importance of public trust in electoral management bodies (EMBs) and their collective responsibility to uphold that trust. Fellow Commissioner Vivek Joshi noted that IICDEM-2026 serves as a convergence point for EMBs, researchers, and practitioners to discuss democracy and electoral management from various perspectives.

Global Perspectives on Election Integrity

Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), praised India’s leadership within the Institute. He urged the nation to share its approach to maintaining "free and fair elections, respect for the rule of law, tolerance, secularism, and press freedom." Moreover, he raised concerns about challenges like political polarization and misinformation impacting elections worldwide.

Trends in Global Electoral Participation

Casas-Zamora highlighted recent trends, noting that 1.6 billion people voted in 74 national elections in 2024, including India. However, he pointed out that global electoral turnout has decreased by nearly 10 percentage points compared to 15 years prior, with around 40% of elections facing disputes regarding their credibility.

Democracy and Its Resilience

Despite these challenges, Casas-Zamora remarked on positive developments, stating elections have helped reverse democratic backsliding in nations like Poland, Senegal, Guatemala, and Brazil. "Democracy can be restored as long as electoral routes for political change remain open," he emphasized.

Conclusion: A Vision for Inclusive Democracy

In closing, Rakesh Verma, Director General of IIIDEM, reiterated the theme of IICDEM-2026: democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world. This theme reflects a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted goals that democracy must achieve in the 21st century.

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