Gyanesh Kumar Pledges To Boost Global Democratic Transparency As India Takes 2026 Chairship

On Wednesday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar formally agreed to take on the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the year 2026.

In his remarks, he highlighted India’s long-standing democratic traditions and the Election Commission’s long record of conducting credible, transparent elections.

He delivered his statement to delegates of member and observer nations, first in Hindi and then in English.

Gyanesh Kumar described the Election Commission of India as an autonomous and constitutionally mandated body that handles elections for the President, Vice President, the national Parliament and state legislatures.

He stated that India’s electorate now exceeds 900 million people across 28 states and eight Union Territories, supported by a voting system developed and strengthened over almost 75 years.

Gyanesh Kumar drew attention to the sheer scale of Indian election operations, observing that during Lok Sabha polls the organisation temporarily becomes ‘the largest organisation on the planet’, deploying more than one million personnel.

The Chief Election Commissioner said India was pleased to be chosen to lead the Council, which includes 35 democratic countries and two observers. He further added that the appointment demonstrated confidence in India’s election institutions, as shown by fellow democracies.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the country, he offered greetings to all those present and confirmed his acceptance of the role.

Gyanesh Kumar stated that India’s democratic character, administrative strength and commitment to openness would guide its work in the year ahead.

“As the Chair, I assure you that during my tenure, with cooperation among all democratic nations, we will work together to further strengthen and enhance transparency in democracy and democratic processes across the world,” he asserted.

‘Mother of Democracy’ Leading the Way

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar pointed to India’s civilisational background linked with democratic practices, describing the nation as both the ‘mother of democracy’ and the world’s largest democracy today.

He closed his address with ‘Jai Hind, Jai Bharat’, reflecting India’s enthusiasm to guide the Council’s agenda in 2026.

International IDEA announced India’s election earlier in the week, following a Council meeting in Stockholm, where Switzerland handed over responsibility for the 2026 term.

This represents significant international acknowledgement of India’s experience in handling large and complex elections.

During the ceremony in Stockholm, Gyanesh Kumar was welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan, and later held discussions with International IDEA Secretary-General Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora.

The Election Commission noted that the decision highlights the global organisation’s trust in India as a founding contributor that continues to support democratic advancement among member nations.

He also referred to the 2024 parliamentary election, noting the participation of over 20,000 candidates from 743 political parties, including six recognised at the national level and 67 at the state level, making it one of the most extensive electoral events worldwide.

India joined International IDEA in 2017, and taking the Chairship for 2026 places the country in a key position to steer priorities and cooperation within the organisation.

International IDEA works internationally to encourage democratic governance, provide knowledge support, and assist reforms in electoral and political systems.

The body consists of 35 member states from various continents, and its Chairship rotates each year.

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