**Executive Summary**
The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026, organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI), hosted 38 delegates from 22 countries to witness the Legislative Assembly Elections in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam. During the two-day visit from April 8–9, 2026, international observers evaluated the scale, transparency, and technical precision of the electoral process. The programme concluded with high praise for India’s inclusive practices and innovative election management, establishing global benchmarks for democratic execution.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Programme Scope and Purpose**
* The IEVP is a flagship initiative aimed at fostering cooperation between India and international Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
* It provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, operational architecture, and institutional mechanisms.
* Delegates from 22 nations observed the electoral process in specific regions, including Kamrup (Assam), Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), and Puducherry.
* **Logistics and Transparency Measures**
* Delegates observed the systematic movement of polling parties and election materials at dispatch and distribution centers following established SOPs.
* The use of 100% webcasting at polling stations and monitoring via CCTV control rooms was highlighted as a critical pillar of transparency.
* Enhanced vigilance measures were showcased, including the use of flying squads and drone-based monitoring.
* **Inclusivity and Accessibility**
* Polling stations were equipped with ramps, wheelchairs, crèche facilities, and volunteers to ensure an accessible voting environment.
* Specific polling stations were managed exclusively by women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
* Voter-centric initiatives included "Gen Z" themed booths in Kerala and health checkup facilities in Assam.
* **Technological and Sustainable Innovations**
* The efficiency and "spirit" of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were commended as a key learning point for international delegates.
* Innovative technology, such as the welcoming robot "Nila" in Puducherry, was utilized to engage voters.
* Eco-friendly practices were promoted through plantation drives conducted at various polling stations.
**Impact Analysis**
**International Delegates and Election Management Bodies (EMBs)**
**Impact**
Delegates gained firsthand knowledge of large-scale electoral management, including logistics, security, and the use of technology like EVMs and webcasting. They expressed a desire to implement these "best practices" in their own domestic contexts.
**Action Required**
Review the provided testimonials and operational overviews to identify specific mechanisms—such as webcasting or inclusive station management—that can be adapted for their respective home countries.
**Election Commission of India (ECI)**
**Impact**
The ECI successfully demonstrated its commitment to transparency and excellence, reinforcing India's position as a global benchmark for conducting elections at an unparalleled scale.
**Action Required**
Continue to utilize the IEVP to foster international engagement and maintain the high operational standards observed by the visitors.
**State Electoral Officers (CEOs) and Police Nodal Officers**
**Impact**
Local officials received validation for their meticulous planning, security arrangements, and the successful execution of specialized polling initiatives.
**Action Required**
Maintain the established SOPs and continue developing innovative, voter-friendly initiatives (e.g., themed booths and health facilities) for future electoral cycles.
Key Entities Referenced
International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026: A flagship initiative of the Election Commission of India aimed at fostering international cooperation by allowing foreign delegates to witness India’s electoral framework and best practices.
Election Commission of India (ECI): The primary regulatory body responsible for planning, executing, and managing the electoral process in India, including the oversight of the IEVP.
Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam: The specific Indian states and Union Territory where the 2026 Legislative Assembly Elections were held and visited by international delegates.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): The core technological tool used for voting in India, highlighted by international delegates as a key feature for replication in their home countries.
Election Commission
IEVP 2026: World watches India’s Festival of
Democracy
International Delegates from 22 Countries laud Planning,
Scale, & Voter Participation
Posted On: 11 APR 2026 3:51PM by PIB Delhi
1. Legislative Assembly Elections in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam have drawn global attention, as
38 international delegates from 22 countries witnessed firsthand, the scale, precision, and vibrancy
of India’s electoral process, as part of Election Commission of India’s International Election
Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026.
2. Describing the experience as “a true festival of democracy,” delegates expressed admiration for the
record voter participation, meticulous planning, & seamless execution of polls by the ECI. “Indian
Voting, this is a true festival of democracy for the whole world what is overwhelming for me is
enthusiasm of people to vote. We can only learn from this process, it’s a huge process and done
right” Mr. Branimir Farkas, Croatia
3. The international delegates began their two-day visit (April 8-9) to Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry
by visiting the dispatch and distribution centers, where they observed the systematic movement
of polling parties along with election materials through well-planned logistics & established SOPs.
4. Delegates also interacted with Chief Electoral Officers and State Police Nodal Officers of the
respective states on the overall conduct of elections, as well as security arrangements. They also
visited the CCTV control rooms set up for monitoring the 100% webcasting of Polling stations at
the CEO offices, describing them as a “strong pillar of transparency”.
“The process of election in India is certainly a place to learn" Mr. Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona,
Mexico
5. On the poll day morning, delegates observed mock polls. Thereafter, delegates from these 22
countries seperately visited polling stations in Assam (Kamrup Metro and Kamrup Rural), Kerala
(Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram), and Puducherry to witness the actual polling process.
6. They expressed their appreciation for the inclusive, participative, and accessible features at the
polling stations including ramps, wheelchairs, volunteers, and crèche facilities as well as dedicated
polling stations managed by women and persons with disabilities (PwDs).
“Inclusivity of highest order" Ms. Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Kenya
“We are very impressed with how the polling stations have been organized, the facilities have
been prepared very well, wheelchair, creche facilities” Mr. Paulus Shigwedha, Namibia
7. The delegates visited district-level media monitoring centers and applauded the continuous
oversight of the polls through webcasting. They also participated in plantation drives at polling
stations, showcasing eco-friendly and sustainable election practices.“One of the great things about India is use of EVMs…some of the things that we have learnt
we will be able to take home and see how we could implement it, it’s like a festival, this should
be the sprit” Mr. Abubakarr Mahmoud Koroma, Sierra Leone
8. In Puducherry, delegates were impressed by enhanced vigilance measures such as flying squads,
drone-based monitoring, and innovative initiatives like the welcoming robot, Nila. In Kerala, they
visited a Gen Z–themed polling booth and appreciated the enthusiasm of first- time voters, while in
Kamrup (Rural), Assam, delegates applauded and also availed themselves of health checkup
facilities at polling stations.
9. The seamless conduct of polling and high voter turnout left a strong impression on the visiting
teams. They expressed gratitude to the Election Commission of India for the opportunity to witness
the scale and grandeur of election management and commended its commitment to transparency,
inclusivity, and excellence. “While the world watches to learn, India continues to set benchmarks in
conducting elections at an unparalleled scale, truly a festival of democracy.”
10. The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) is a flagship initiative of the Election
Commission of India aimed at fostering international cooperation and engagement with Election
Management Bodies (EMBs) and international organisations. The programme provides a
comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms, and operational
architecture, while familiarising delegates with best practices and innovations in election
management.
Note: Annexure – YouTube links for testimonials of international delegates under IEVP 2026.
**********
PK/GDH/RP
Annexure
You Tube Links for Testimonials of International delegates under IEVP 2026
Sl Country Testimonial Link
No.
1 Albania https://youtube.com/shorts/fNF2M2AngCssi=rdfofr-yzq
4NZJ2Z
https://youtube.com/shorts/L1uRI2Dozssi=TqEvw8nW
ghhvzg4N
2 Benin https://youtube.com/shorts/1cqx2gMy6hAsi=ZNFsYn4
uiJi2wZUf
https://youtube.com/shorts/J1_P52Yo_68si=Hn3tWOhi
oRcD99Fw
3 Bhutan https://youtube.com/shorts/-16ITc2vQjc?si=1xqpg2CK
YY6nFiM9
https://youtube.com/shorts/8x9LhbVqjxwsi=N1Z5ZZY
d6nhO7OT6
https://youtube.com/shorts/IC2fEKTjiU4? si=IOUMZF
6TmBYeXhse4 Coted’ Ivoire https://youtube.com/shorts/4OWU-CDubQssi=wZdvsR
f6BW3EMu2
5 Croatia https://youtube.com/shorts/YtoFnR8nkjE?si=1ptUUG-a
1x48d2uB
6 Fiji https://youtube.com/shorts/Cw7zmBDixx8si=E40KwU
_7t_z3SQJZ
https://youtube.com/shorts/w371KZRMcFAsi=VliUXa
9mkAU1NmH
7 Georgia https://youtube.com/shorts/r- o7Au5WURc?si=82sHDZ
JBj8cjYmsu
8 Guyana https://youtube.com/shorts/f74b5CwX_X w?si=Iu5ZGZ
9cJNrzsFn5
9 Kenya https://youtube.com/shorts/2NucH1nsFH w?si=C-PxXf
Sf7OBrdsVO
10 Mexico https://youtube.com/shorts/gIoeygFuEug?si=bSfUmUvr
6Oxk51s1
https://youtube.com/shorts/abXN_- HEjPY?si=omwCl
U_Xur8j89-y
11 Namibia https://youtube.com/shorts/edC4rb7WlmI?si=x3WUts8
85t2t5LaV
Sl Country Testimonial Link
No.
12 Portugal https://youtube.com/shorts/w0rCwfkX6KIsi=DBRHug
UeHS71ZLTH
13 Samoa https://youtube.com/shorts/4_mNbv8475 U?si=fa9ug2I
mtIacjjDc
https://youtube.com/shorts/BPHV4yOiVZ 0?si=hKQ08
ydIumo80a2t
https://youtube.com/shorts/Guq5m_WY9Nosi=kMEJih
NGOBuT9alv
https://youtube.com/shorts/RwHJsCIc0S 8?si=Vj-Dn5N
xc-_7nZBv14 Seychelles https://youtube.com/shorts/z2ZR7DkNavQsi=BwkDYJ
HmIm75U2pu
15 Sierra Leone https://youtube.com/shorts/FxC- rDmI7m4?si=U6dP1Y
a6K-VcO44Y
https://youtube.com/shorts/uXfhnki- QpE?si=vLvhIKk
Vm4i8xOJ_
https://youtube.com/shorts/MBNGCYaY5 84si=x51AW
r6r8pIU3_DB
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