“No Appeals Submitted”: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Praises ‘Successful’ SIR at IICDEM 2026 | India News
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👉 Check Today's Deals on Amazon IndiaSuccessful Implementation of Special Intensive Revision in Bihar
NEW DELHI: During the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the success of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted in Bihar. Notably, there were zero appeals received following the publication of the final electoral roll, and the subsequent assembly election required no repolls.
Importance of a Pure Electoral Roll
“A pure electoral roll, including every eligible elector as stipulated by law, is fundamental to strengthening democracy,” Kumar articulated. He emphasized the challenges involved in the conduct of elections, where adherence to electoral laws and guidelines is crucial for a successful process.
Objectives of IICDEM 2026
The IICDEM 2026 aims to celebrate democracy while addressing future challenges, expectations of voters, and simplifying electoral processes. Kumar elaborated on how Indian elections are now among the largest logistical exercises globally, involving over a billion voters and significant participation.
Collective Responsibility of Electoral Management Bodies
Election Commissioner SS Sandhu underscored the vital nature of public trust in electoral management bodies (EMBs), asserting that preserving this trust is a collective responsibility.
Engagement and Dialogue at IICDEM 2026
Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi remarked that IICDEM-2026 offers a platform for EMBs, researchers, and practitioners to discuss various aspects of democracy and electoral management, fostering collaborative solutions.
Global Perspectives on Democracy
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), affirmed India’s leadership role and emphasized the need for shared experiences that uphold democratic values such as rule of law, tolerance, and press freedom.
Challenges Facing Elections Worldwide
Discussing recent global electoral challenges, Casas-Zamora highlighted issues like political polarization, illicit funding, and misinformation. He noted that while 1.6 billion voters participated in national elections in 2024, global turnout had significantly declined compared to previous years, with around 40% of elections facing credibility disputes.
Restoring Democracy Through Elections
Despite challenges, Casas-Zamora mentioned that recent elections in countries like Poland, Senegal, and Brazil successfully countered democratic backsliding, reinforcing the belief that electoral processes can restore democracy.
Thematic Focus of IICDEM 2026
The theme of IICDEM 2026 — “democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world” — was echoed by DG IIIDEM Rakesh Verma, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of modern democracy’s requirements.
Previewing “India Decides”
Participants were offered a glimpse of the upcoming docu-series, “India Decides,” produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery.
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