India has assumed the Chairship of International IDEA’s Council of Member States for 2026. As a founding Member State since 1995, India will oversee the Council’s work alongside 35 Member States, represented by the Honorable Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar.
India’s chairship is accompanied by a partnership with the Indian Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management to strengthen International IDEA’s existing programmes of work—particularly on election integrity—and includes 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 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 democratic 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.
