CEC Gyanesh Kumar Takes Over as Chair of International IDEA Council 2026
India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assumes Chairship of the International IDEA Council for 2026, emphasizing transparency, democracy, and global collaboration.
New Delhi – Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, has officially taken over as the Chair of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026. The ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, was attended by the Ambassador of India to Sweden, Shri Anurag Bhushan.
This Chairship represents global recognition of the Election Commission of India (ECI) as one of the world’s most credible and innovative election management bodies. India, a founding member of International IDEA, has consistently contributed to the organization’s governance, democratic discourse, and institutional initiatives.
Upon arrival in Stockholm, CEC Kumar met with the Secretary-General of International IDEA, Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora. In his acceptance speech, he highlighted India’s vast democratic landscape, which encompasses over 900 million registered voters across 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Reflecting on the 2024 General Elections, he noted the participation of more than 20,000 candidates from 743 political parties, including six national and 67 state parties, and over 20 million election personnel.
CEC Kumar pledged that India’s Chairship will be “decisive, ambitious, and action-oriented,” with a focus on:
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Reimagining Democracy for the Future
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Strengthening Independent & Professional Election Management Bodies for Sustainable Democracy
India will lead the Council under the theme, “Democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient, and sustainable world”, sharing its expertise from the world’s largest and most diverse democracy.
For 2026, Mauritius and Mexico will serve as Vice Chairs of the International IDEA Council alongside India.
About International IDEA:
International IDEA is a global intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. The Council comprises 35 member countries and two observer nations, representing over 2.2 billion registered voters globally.