“World Trusts India’s Electoral Strength,” says CEC Gyanesh Kumar

• India receives global recognition for its electoral process.
• CEC Gyanesh Kumar to assume chairmanship of International IDEA in Sweden.
• India becomes the first-ever country invited to lead the body in its 30-year history.
• Group comprises 37 democratic nations supporting global electoral development.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd Dec: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday announced that India has been invited to assume the chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the first time, marking a moment of global recognition for India’s electoral process.

Speaking about the development, Gyanesh Kumar said the world acknowledges India’s record of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. “For the first time in the 30-year history of International IDEA, the group of 37 democratic nations has invited India to chair the organisation. This is a proud moment for Indian citizens and for every election official,” he stated.

The Chief Election Commissioner will formally take charge as Chair of International IDEA on 3 December 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden, where he will represent India.

Established in 1995, International IDEA is an intergovernmental body comprising 35 member countries, while the United States and Japan participate as observers. Since 2003, the organisation also holds observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.

Gyanesh Kumar emphasised that this invitation reflects the global community’s confidence in India’s electoral integrity and its experience in managing the world’s largest democratic exercise.