New Delhi, Jan 23 (ANI): CEC Gyanesh Kumar holds a bilateral meeting with the Head of Delegation from Angola during IICDEM-2026, at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on Friday. (@ECISVEEP/ANI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Over 40 election management bodies (EMBs) of the world on Friday unanimously adopted the ‘Delhi Declaration 2026’, resolving to work together on five pillars, namely, pure electoral rolls; conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; research and publications on working of different electoral systems; use of technology to facilitate election stakeholders and counter misinformation; and training and capacity building to ensure smoother electoral processes.The Delhi Declaration was adopted at the valedictory session of the three-day India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (EMBs) here. Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in his valedictory address, stated: “We resolve to operationalize these five pillars through cooperation, innovation, and measurable actions, and to periodically review the progress before we plan to meet once a year… the next dates being Dec 3, 4 and 5, 2026, at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) campus here”. Elaborating on the five pillars, Kumar said pure electoral rolls, containing names of all eligible electors as per law, are the foundation of any democracy. “The election management bodies should strive to provide photo identity cards to all electors,” he stressed. On the second pillar — conduct of elections — Kumar shared that the EMBs endorse participative and inclusive elections involving stakeholders. As regards the third pillar pertaining to research and publications, the EMBs have agreed to bring out an encyclopedia of democracies of the world and compile reports on the seven themes led the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the 36 thematic sessions held during IICDEM 2026.The EMBs also resolved to harness technology for electoral functions, while also ensuring the integrity of elections and countering misinformation. “India is willing to share its experience regarding ECINET, for co-development of a similar digital platform for any other EMB in accordance with its laws and in its language.” said the CEC.As regards the last pillar — training and capacity Building — Kumar said India is willing to share its vast experience in the field of elections across all sectors, through training and exchange of transparent practices.The CEC said that IICDEM 2026 has ignited conversations regarding model international electoral standards. Referring to the over 40 bilateral meetings held during the conference, he said they have contributed to the expansion of mutual cooperation and understanding of collective priorities and perspectives.Speaking at the closing session, election commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu said that the openness, mutual respect, and willingness to learn from one another, reflect the maturity and professionalism of the global electoral community.Election commissioner Vivek Joshi said that the launch of ECINET has underlined the importance accorded by ECI to technology, including its measured adoption that elicits trust.
