CEC takes over as chair of international democracy body, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, became the 2026 chair of International IDEA on Wednesday.
• India was elected as the chair for 2026 by the Council of Member States of International IDEA in Stockholm.
• International IDEA will collaborate with IIIDEM on projects to strengthen electoral management bodies.
• India has been a member of International IDEA since 1995.

Detailed Insights:

• International IDEA aims to work with IIIDEM to reimagine democracy and reinforce the independence of electoral bodies.
• Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the scale of Indian elections, involving over 900 million electors and 1 million personnel.
• India's chairmanship will focus on demonstrating that democracies can lead to a united, peaceful, and sustainable world.
• International IDEA consists of 35 democratic countries and two observer nations, promoting global democracy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• International IDEA: An intergovernmental organization that works to support and advance democracy worldwide.
• IIIDEM: The training and capacity building arm of the Election Commission of India.
• Electoral Management Bodies: Organizations responsible for conducting elections and referendums.