ECI Hosts Global Conference on Media and Electoral Processes

A major objective of the conference is to develop practical global knowledge resources that document international experiences, model standards and best practices in election management.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has brought together election officials, academics, researchers and media experts from across the country for a two-day international conference focused on the role of media in electoral processes and campaigns. The conference, titled Global Best Practices and Innovations for Media in Electoral Processes and Campaigns, is being held on 3 and 4 June 2026 at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. The event aims to examine emerging challenges and innovations in election communication while promoting the exchange of global best practices that can strengthen democratic processes.

Chief Election Commissioner Highlights Voter Trust

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between election authorities and voters across the country. He said the Election Commission regularly trains grassroots-level election functionaries, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), to ensure effective engagement with more than 100 crore electors.

According to the Chief Election Commissioner, the confidence of voters in India's electoral system was reflected in the record participation witnessed during the recently concluded General Elections to various State Legislative Assemblies. The conference has attracted more than 480 participants, including District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), thematic experts, academicians, research scholars and members of Electoral Literacy Clubs.

Focus on Emerging Challenges in Election Communication

A major objective of the conference is to develop practical global knowledge resources that document international experiences, model standards and best practices in election management. The outcomes are expected to contribute to a thematic report envisioned under the Delhi Declaration adopted during the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management held in January 2026.

Discussions during the conference are focusing on pressing challenges facing election management bodies worldwide. Participants are examining issues such as misinformation and disinformation campaigns, the growing use of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes, synthetic media content, opaque digital political advertising and the role of online platforms in regulating election-related content. Experts are also exploring strategies to strengthen public trust in democratic institutions while ensuring that voters have access to accurate and reliable information during election periods.

Strengthening Global Cooperation on Electoral Integrity

The conference is being organised by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, in collaboration with IIIDEM and Delhi Technological University (DTU). The event forms part of India's 2026 Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organisation that supports democratic governance worldwide.

Officials believe the conference will help foster international cooperation and provide valuable insights into managing the rapidly evolving media landscape surrounding elections. As technology continues to reshape political communication, the discussions are expected to contribute to stronger frameworks that protect electoral integrity while promoting transparency, accountability and informed voter participation.