The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to host a significant two-day international conference titled “Global Election Year 2024: Reiteration of Democratic Spaces; Takeaway for EMBs” in New Delhi on 23rd and 24th January 2025.
The event, scheduled just before National Voters Day, aims to provide a comprehensive reflection on contemporary election management practices. It comes after a year marked by elections in over 70 countries, impacting nearly half the world’s population, offering a timely opportunity to discuss lessons learned and future trends.
One of the highlights of the conference will be an in-depth focus on India’s Lok Sabha General Election 2024, which is considered the largest democratic exercise globally.
This massive event serves as a valuable case study for election managers worldwide, offering invaluable insights into managing elections on such a grand scale.
The conference is being organized by the ECI’s International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), in collaboration with the India Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB).
It will be inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Rajiv Kumar, and will feature various sessions led by prominent election commissioners and international dignitaries.
Nearly 30 representatives from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from 13 countries will be participating in the event. These nations include Bhutan, Georgia, Namibia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Mauritius, Philippines, the Russian Federation, Tunisia, and Nepal.
In addition to the heads and deputy heads of EMBs, representatives from international organisations such as the International IDEA and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) will also be present. Ambassadors and high commissioners based in Delhi will join the discussions, adding a diplomatic layer to the proceedings.
The conference will begin with a keynote address from Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Following this, a series of thematic sessions will unfold, each addressing key aspects of election management.
The first session, titled “Election Year 2024 – Major Learnings,” will be co-chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan and the Chairperson of Namibia’s Electoral Commission.
Presentations will come from election authorities from India, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. This session will focus on drawing critical lessons from the elections of 2024.
The second session will delve into “Role of Technology in Election Management – Opportunities and Challenges.” Chaired by India’s Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, it will feature contributions from election authorities from Bhutan and Russia.
This session will explore how technology is shaping the election process and the challenges it presents.
Another session on “Social Media Platforms and Election Management – Consultation and the Way Forward” will be chaired by Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, an Election Commissioner in India.
Presentations will come from representatives of EMBs from Nepal and Namibia, as well as the President and CEO of IFES. This session will focus on the impact of social media on election integrity and management.
The fourth session, focusing on “Electoral Equity: Inclusive & Accessible Elections,” will be co-chaired by the Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission and the Secretary-General of A-WEB.
Representatives from EMBs of Tunisia, the Philippines, and Georgia will present their views on creating elections that are more inclusive and accessible.
On Day 2, the session on “Importance of Capacity Building, Training, and International Cooperation for Strengthening Democratic Spaces” will be co-chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal and the President & CEO of IFES.
Presentations from representatives of A-WEB, the Election Commission of Ireland, and International IDEA will emphasise the importance of building the capacity of election bodies globally.
The sixth session, “The Future of Elections,” will be chaired by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar. Presentations will come from Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Namibia, and Nepal, alongside representatives from A-WEB and IFES. This session will offer insights into how elections may evolve in the coming years.
The conference will conclude with a session where observations will be presented by Mr Abdool Rahman Mohammad Irfan, Electoral Commissioner of Mauritius, and Mr Anthony Nathan Banbury, CEO of IFES.
The final discussions will focus on the actionable steps that EMBs can take to enhance the functioning of elections and strengthen electoral democracies around the world.
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