38 delegates from 22 countries commended India’s electoral process, especially during the recent Assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam. Branimir Farkas from Croatia described Indian voting as a global festival of democracy, emphasizing the people’s enthusiasm to vote and the meticulous execution of the process. Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona from Mexico also lauded the Indian election process as a valuable learning experience.
The delegates were part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This program has gained significance under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s leadership at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA). A total of 70 democratic countries had shown interest in understanding India’s transparent election procedures during a conference in Delhi in January 2026.
During their two-day visit to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, the international delegates witnessed the systematic movement of polling parties and election materials at dispatch and distribution centers. They also observed mock polls and visited polling stations in these regions to witness the actual voting process. Delegates were particularly impressed by the vigilance measures in Puducherry, innovative initiatives like the welcoming robot Nila, and the enthusiasm of first-time voters in Kerala.
In Assam, delegates appreciated the health checkup facilities at polling stations in Kamrup Rural and the inclusive features such as ramps, wheelchairs, and dedicated polling stations for women and persons with disabilities. The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) by the Election Commission of India aims to promote international cooperation with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and organizations, offering insights into India’s electoral framework and best practices in election management.
