Delegates of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2026 (IEVP 2026) observed a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and a mock poll in India. The demonstration, held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), aimed to provide international delegates with a hands-on experience of India’s advanced and transparent electoral process. IIIDEM Director General Rakesh Kumar Verma emphasized India’s strong commitment to electoral integrity, inclusivity, and institutional excellence during the event.
The live demonstration at IIIDEM showcased India’s secure, transparent, and technology-driven electoral framework to the international delegates. As part of the IEVP, 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five Foreign Missions in Delhi, had previously visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry to witness the polling process. CEC Gyanesh Kumar, addressing the delegates, highlighted the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) dedication to ensuring elections as celebrations of democracy and emphasized the importance of experiencing India’s diverse culture during their visit.
India, after assuming the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for 2026, launched various academic initiatives through IIIDEM. These initiatives included an Academic Outreach Programme for universities to engage with election practitioners, electoral process simulations, and a Student Connect Research Challenge inviting students to submit research on electoral systems. Additionally, IIIDEM announced an upcoming International Academic Conference on Democracy and Election Management scheduled for June 18 and 19.
