Indian Election Commission Trains Bhutanese Officials in Election Administration

New Delhi: A two-week residential training programme on election administration for 40 senior and mid-level officers from Bhutan concluded on March 21, 2025, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. The initiative aimed at enhancing electoral management capabilities and fostering institutional cooperation between India and Bhutan.

The programme, held from March 10 to 21, 2025, also saw the participation of Bhutan’s Election Commissioner, Mr. Ugyen Chewang. During his visit, Mr. Chewang met with India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi at the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters on March 18, 2025.

The training covered key aspects of election management, using interactive sessions and case studies to share international best practices. The valedictory session, held on March 21, was addressed by DEC Shri Ajeet Kumar, who reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening electoral cooperation with Bhutan. Former CEC Shri T.S. Krishnamurthy also shared insights into ECI’s institutional credibility built over decades. Certificates were distributed to all participants following a vote of thanks from Mr. Chewang.

As part of the programme, a two-night visit to Rewalsar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, was organised from March 15 to 17 at Bhutan’s request. The site is revered for its association with Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. Additionally, Mr. Chewang planted a Ficus Religiosa (Peepal tree) sapling at the IIIDEM campus on March 19, symbolizing the shared values of peace, sustainability, and spiritual wisdom between the two nations.