CEC Gyanesh Kumar to Assume Chairship of International IDEA in 2026
Election Commission of India Announces Leadership Transition
The Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, is set to assume the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for the year 2026. He will take over the role on December 03, 2025 during the meeting of the Council of Member States of International IDEA in Stockholm, Sweden. In this position, he will preside over all Council meetings throughout 2026.
International IDEA and India’s Role
International IDEA, established in 1995, is an inter-governmental organisation focused on strengthening democratic institutions and processes worldwide. The organisation currently comprises 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan serving as Observers. Its work is aimed at promoting inclusive, resilient, and accountable democracies.
India is a founding member of International IDEA and has been an active contributor to the organisation’s governance, democratic discussions, and institutional activities. The Chairship is described as a milestone that reflects global acknowledgment of the Election Commission of India as a credible and innovative Election Management Body.
Planned Initiatives Under the Chairship
As Chair, Shri Gyanesh Kumar will draw on India’s extensive experience in managing the world’s largest elections to help guide the organisation’s global priorities. The collaboration aims to strengthen knowledge-sharing, enhance professional networks among Election Management Bodies, and support evidence-based electoral reforms worldwide.
India, with an electorate of nearly one billion and established transparent electoral systems, plans to share its best practices with Election Management Bodies during the year. Joint programmes, workshops, and research initiatives between the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management and International IDEA will focus on addressing challenges such as disinformation, electoral violence, and declining voter trust.
Training and Capacity Building
Since its establishment, the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management has provided training to election officials within India and abroad. The institute has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 28 countries and has trained 3169 officials from approximately 142 countries.
Under the leadership of the Chief Election Commissioner, International IDEA and the Election Commission of India will continue working together to document and share the Commission’s practices.