In a testament to its dedication to transparent electoral practices, the Election Commission of India (ECI) welcomes 75 delegates from 23 nations to observe the Indian General Elections as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP). The inauguration ceremony, graced by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu in New Delhi, marks a significant moment in fostering global democratic engagement and accountability.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar underscored the pivotal role of India’s electoral process in the global democratic landscape, emphasizing the importance of democratic values amidst growing concerns of shrinking democratic spaces worldwide. He highlighted the unique nature of Indian elections, where participation is voluntary, making persuasive engagement essential for voter inclusion and turnout validation.
With a staggering 970 million electorate, supported by over 15 million polling personnel across 1 million polling stations nationwide, the scale of India’s electoral exercise reflects its vibrant democracy. Shri Kumar invited delegates to witness the diversity and vibrancy of Indian democracy firsthand, likening it to a festival of democratic participation.
Bilateral interactions with the Chief Election Commissioners of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Nepal further enrich the exchange of electoral best practices and mutual learning among nations.
Delegates were briefed on various facets of Indian General Elections 2024, including EVM-VVPAT, IT initiatives, and media engagement. Sessions chaired by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sh. Dharmendra Sharma provided insights into election processes, technological innovations, and media strategies employed by the ECI.
The delegation will embark on visits to six states—Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—to observe polls and electoral preparedness firsthand. The programme aims to familiarize international delegates with India’s electoral system and showcase best practices in election management.
Representing a diverse array of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and organizations from 23 countries, including Bhutan, Mongolia, Australia, Russia, Nepal, and Zimbabwe, this year’s delegation underscores the global significance of India’s democratic ethos. With participation from esteemed institutions like the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), the programme seeks to facilitate meaningful exchanges and enhance international understanding of electoral processes.
