Global Delegates Observe India’s Electoral Model as ECI Launches Phase II of International Visitors’ Programme

The IEVP is one of ECI’s flagship global outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide.

In a major step to showcase India's globally acclaimed electoral system, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday launched the second phase of its International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) 2026 in New Delhi, coinciding with the ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The programme was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), bringing together 34 delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from foreign missions and international organisations such as International IDEA.

Showcasing the World's Largest Electoral System

The IEVP is one of ECI's flagship global outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation with Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide. It offers international participants a comprehensive understanding of India's electoral framework—widely regarded as one of the most complex and robust democratic systems in the world.

Through this programme, delegates gain first-hand exposure to the institutional mechanisms, technological innovations, and administrative safeguards that underpin elections in a country with over 900 million eligible voters.

Hands-On Experience with EVMs

A key highlight of the programme's opening day was a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at IIIDEM. Delegates actively participated in a mock poll, allowing them to experience the voting process as it unfolds in India.

Participants expressed strong interest in India's use of technology, particularly the integration of EVMs with strict procedural safeguards designed to ensure transparency, accuracy, and security in the electoral process. Interactive sessions with election experts provided further clarity on operational protocols and dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Field Visits to Live Polling Operations

As part of the second phase, delegates will travel to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on April 22–23, where they will observe election operations on the ground.

Their itinerary includes visits to:

• Dispatch and distribution centres for polling materials

• District Control Rooms managing election logistics

• Media Monitoring Centres ensuring compliance with election guidelines

The delegates will also witness live polling on April 23, offering a rare opportunity to observe the execution of large-scale democratic exercises in real time.

Building on Phase I Engagement

The second phase builds on the success of the first phase of IEVP 2026, during which delegates visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry earlier in April. The multi-phase structure allows participants to observe elections across diverse geographical, cultural, and administrative contexts.

Strengthening Global Democratic Collaboration

The IEVP serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, enabling India to share best practices while also learning from global electoral experiences. It reinforces India's role as a leader in democratic governance and election management innovation.

Experts note that India's electoral system—characterized by large-scale logistics, technological integration, and stringent oversight—has become a reference model for many emerging democracies.

Enhancing Transparency and Trust

By opening its electoral processes to international observers, the ECI aims to enhance transparency and build global confidence in its systems. The programme also highlights how technology and administrative discipline can be combined to conduct free, fair, and credible elections at an unprecedented scale.

A Model for the World

As the world's largest democracy continues to refine its electoral practices, initiatives like the IEVP underline India's commitment to democratic values, institutional integrity, and global engagement.

With delegates set to witness live polling and operational systems in action, the programme is expected to further strengthen India's position as a benchmark for election management worldwide.