The EMB Leaders Plenary of IICDEM-2026 brought together 42 top election officials from across the world in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. Inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the session ignited robust debates on safeguarding democracy.
With 60 delegates including high-level envoys in attendance, conversations centered on pervasive challenges like misinformation, cybersecurity breaches, voter skepticism, and operational constraints. Leaders traded practical solutions drawn from real-world implementations.
Representing International IDEA’s 2026 leadership, India advocated for elections that are inclusive, transparent, and powered by cutting-edge tech. The emphasis was on unity to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
As the highlight of the January 21-23 conference—India’s grandest affair on democratic practices—this event promotes knowledge sharing and partnerships. It celebrates India’s democratic legacy while equipping nations with tools to fortify their electoral foundations. Participants foresee lasting impacts on global election standards.