The Election Commission of India welcomed a 43-member international delegation from 23 countries to witness the Kerala Assembly elections as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2026. The delegation’s visit aims to provide a firsthand experience of India’s advanced electoral process, including engaging with first-time voters through innovative initiatives. The observers had a busy schedule on polling day, visiting various polling stations to understand the state’s diverse election management model.
The delegation’s day started with a mock poll exercise at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram to demonstrate transparency and system integrity. They also visited special polling stations designed to enhance voter participation, including a women-friendly station and a youth-managed booth. Additionally, the observers gained insights into the backend coordination and real-time monitoring at the district collectorate control room, crucial aspects of managing large-scale elections efficiently.
The International Election Visitors’ Programme not only showcases India’s electoral efficiency but also aims to facilitate the exchange of global best practices in election management. The initiative highlights India’s commitment to democratic governance and serves as a platform for international delegates to appreciate the meticulous arrangements and scale of the polls in Kerala. Voting, involving 883 candidates across more than 30,000 polling stations, will continue till 6 p.m., with the results scheduled for May 4 to determine the state’s governance for the next five years.
