In global recognition of poll panel’s credibility, CEC to head world body

NEW DELHI: Chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will on Dec 3 take up chairship of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA) for the year 2026 in Stockholm, reflecting a “global recognition of Election Commission’s standing as one of the world’s most credible and innovative election management bodies (EMBs),” according to EC.IIDEA is an intergovernmental organisation created in Feb 1995, with India as a founding member, to support sustainable democracy worldwide. It has, over the past three decades, evolved into a key global convenor for EMBs, constitutional experts, political institutions and democratic practitioners. It currently comprises 35 member countries, with the US and Japan acting as observer states. Electoral processes and electoral research are among its focus areas. IIDEA through its council of member states annually elects a chair and two vice-chairs. Its present chairship is held by Switzerland and will now pass on to India.As chair, Kumar will be presiding over all council meetings through 2026. EC in a statement Wednesday said the CEC “will leverage the country’s unmatched experience of conducting the world’s largest elections to shape IIDEA’s global agenda”.Ironically, the international appreciation and IIDEA leadership for the CEC comes against the backdrop of constant attacks faced by him and the poll body from the opposition parties here, on electoral roll health and special intensive revision exercise.”The collaboration (between EC, IIDEA) will strengthen knowledge-sharing, reinforce professional networks among EMBs,… and support evidence-based global electoral reforms.” EC added.