Election Commission of India launched the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 in the context of the Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. The programme witnessed participation from 38 international delegates representing 22 countries, reflecting growing global interest in India’s electoral system- the world’s largest democratic exercise.
IEVP 2026
- 38 delegates from 22 countries participated
- Linked with Assembly Elections in:
- Assam
- Kerala
- Puducherry
- Demonstrates scale, precision, and transparency of Indian elections
- Enhances India’s role in global electoral diplomacy
Key Features of IEVP 2026
1. Two-Phase Field Visits
- Phase I (April 2026): Assam, Kerala, Puducherry
- Phase II (Late April 2026): West Bengal, Tamil Nadu
2. Institutional & Operational Exposure
Briefings on:
- Electoral framework
- Institutional mechanisms
- Operational architecture
3. Technological Showcase
Use of:
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail)
- Digital tools like cVIGIL app
4. Field-Level Observation
- Delegates visit polling stations on election day
- Observe:
- Queue management
- Voting procedures
- Security arrangements
- Sealing of EVMs
5. Stakeholder Interaction
- Meetings with: Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs)
- Focus on grassroots implementation of elections
About International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP)
IEVP serves as a flagship international outreach initiative, showcasing India’s electoral processes, institutional strength, and technological innovations while promoting cooperation among global Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
Nature of Programme
- A flagship initiative of Election Commission of India
- Platform for knowledge exchange and South-South cooperation
- Enables global election managers to observe Indian elections firsthand
Objectives
- To familiarise international delegates with India’s electoral framework
- To demonstrate integrity, transparency, and credibility of elections
- To promote best practices in election management
- To strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties with EMBs
Significance
- Strengthens India’s image as a global leader in electoral management
- Promotes democratic best practices worldwide
- Encourages technological adoption in elections globally
- Enhances international cooperation and capacity building