India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, is set to deliver the keynote address at the International IDEA Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity, highlighting India’s leadership in election management and democratic processes. The conference, taking place from June 10 to 12, 2025, has drawn over 100 participants from around 50 countries, with discussions focused on safeguarding electoral integrity, countering disinformation, addressing digital disruptions, and mitigating climate-related risks.
Ahead of the conference, Kumar engaged in a notable interaction with the Indian diaspora in Sweden, where he emphasized the Election Commission of India’s commitment to civic participation among Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India. He outlined initiatives such as the Online Voter Registration System and the Electronic Transmission of Postal Ballot Management System, designed to enhance accessibility for overseas voters.
Kumar will hold bilateral discussions with election commissioners from nearly 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, and Switzerland. His engagements are set to deepen India’s cooperation with global electoral bodies and further the exchange of best practices in election administration.
International IDEA, in collaboration with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish Election Authority, and the Australian Electoral Commission, has organized the event to foster dialogue among electoral policymakers and institutional leaders. Kumar will also meet with prominent figures such as Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA; Leena Rikkilä Tamang, Director for Asia-Pacific at International IDEA; Dr. Elsie T. Nghikembua, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Namibia; and Abdool Rahman Mohammad Irfan, Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius.
India’s longstanding partnership with International IDEA has enabled knowledge-sharing on electoral best practices, ensuring robust democratic frameworks worldwide. The India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management continues to emerge as a leading institution in electoral training and capacity building, reflecting India’s dedication to strengthening global democratic integrity.
