India’s 2026 Chairship: Democracy for an Inclusive, Peaceful, Resilient & Sustainable World

International IDEA Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora speaks at the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management 2026 event in New Delhi, India.
India has assumed the Chairship of International IDEA’s Council of Member States for 2026. A founding Member State since 1995, India will oversee the Council of 35 Member States, represented by the Honorable Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar.

India’s chairship is accompanied by a strengthened and innovative partnership with the India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management to strengthen International IDEA’s existing programmes of work—particularly on election integrity—via two major thematic pillars. The first, 'Reimagining Democracy for the Future', will generate flagship global reports drawing on expertise from across the Institute. The second, 'Strengthening the Independence and Professionalism of Electoral Management Bodies', will deliver global training, workshops, and peer exchanges, with a special focus on the Global South.

India’s leadership comes at a time when the Global South is playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of democracy. As home to the world’s largest electoral exercise, engaging more than a billion voters, India brings unique experience and perspective to International IDEA's work.

This page will highlight the research, training and events that are planned for 2026 under this partnership.

View more on India's Chairship objectives
 

Contacts

Jessica Kehayes, Senior External Relations Officer
Jessica Kehayes
Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General

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