The Election Commission of India is preparing to convene a major international conference in New Delhi, bringing together global experts to deliberate on the future of democratic processes. The event will place significant focus on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in elections and the critical task of maintaining pristine electoral rolls.
Global Gathering for Democratic Discourse
Scheduled to be held at the Bharat Mandapam from January 21 to January 23, 2026, the conference will witness participation from a diverse array of stakeholders. Rakesh Verma, Director General of the EC's India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, confirmed that election management bodies from 45 countries are expected to attend. The guest list also includes diplomats, academics, and all state Chief Electoral Officers from India.
The overarching theme guiding the discussions is "democracy for an inclusive, peaceful, resilient and sustainable world." This sets the stage for a forward-looking dialogue aimed at strengthening electoral systems worldwide.
AI and Electoral Integrity Take Center Stage
A key highlight of the conference agenda is a dedicated thematic session on "AI in elections." This session will explore the potential applications, challenges, and ethical considerations of deploying artificial intelligence technologies in various stages of the electoral cycle, from campaigning to voter registration and result analysis.
Concurrently, the issue of electoral roll purity will receive substantial attention. Chief Electoral Officers from all 36 states and union territories in India are slated to make presentations. They will share best practices and model international standards focused on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of voter lists, a fundamental pillar of free and fair elections.
Shaping the Future of Democracy
The conference represents a significant initiative by the Election Commission of India to foster international collaboration on election management. By creating a platform for sharing knowledge and innovations, the event aims to address contemporary challenges facing democracies.
The discussions on reimagining democracies for the future, coupled with practical exchanges on technology and administrative excellence, are expected to contribute to building more robust and trustworthy electoral systems globally. The outcomes of this gathering could influence policy and operational frameworks for election bodies around the world.
