Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Over 40 election management bodies (EMBs) of the world on Friday unanimously adopted ‘Delhi Declaration 2026’, resolving to work together on five pillars – pure electoral rolls; conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; research and publications on working of different electoral systems; use of technology to facilitate election stakeholders and counter misinformation; and training and capacity building to ensure smoother electoral processes. The Delhi Declaration was adopted at valedictory session of the three-day India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management. Chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, in his valedictory address, said: “We resolve to operationalise these five pillars through cooperation, innovation, and measurable actions, and to periodically review the progress before we plan to meet once a year… the next dates being Dec 3, 4 and 5, at India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) campus.“Kumar said pure electoral rolls, containing names of all eligible electors as per law, are foundation of any democracy. “EMBs should strive to provide photo identity cards to all electors,” he stressed.Kumar shared that EMBs endorse participative and inclusive elections involving stakeholders. The EMBs have agreed to bring out an encyclopedia of democracies of the world and compile reports on the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the 36 thematic sessions held during IICDEM.EMBs also resolved to harness technology for electoral functions, while also ensuring integrity of elections and countering misinformation. “India is willing to share its experience regarding ECINET, for co-development of a similar digital platform for any other EMB in accordance with its laws and in its language.” the CEC said. As regards the last pillar, Kumar said India is willing to share its vast experience in the field of elections across all sectors, through training and exchange of transparent practices.The CEC said IICDEM has ignited conversations regarding model international electoral standards. Referring to over 40 bilateral meetings held during the conference, he said they contributed to expansion of mutual cooperation and understanding of collective priorities and perspectives.Speaking at the closing session, Election commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu said that the openness, mutual respect, and willingness to learn from one another, reflect the maturity and professionalism of the global electoral community.Election commissioner Vivek Joshi said that the launch of ECINET has underlined the importance accorded by EC to technology, including its measured adoption that elicits trust.
