Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has emphasised that accurate and inclusive electoral rolls, containing the names of all eligible voters as mandated by law, form the backbone of a strong democracy. He made these remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) in New Delhi today.
Mr Kumar said that deliberations held over the three-day conference were consolidated into five key pillars aimed at strengthening election management. He stressed that Election Management Bodies should strive to issue photo identity cards to all voters to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of elections.
He also called for effective implementation of these pillars through cooperation, innovation, and concrete action, supported by annual reviews.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Election Commissioner held bilateral meetings with delegations from several countries, during which participants shared global electoral experiences and innovations. India offered to collaborate with Election Management Bodies to help develop technology platforms similar to ECINET, in accordance with their respective legal frameworks. Training support for election officials was also proposed through the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management.
Speaking exclusively to Akashvani News after the bilateral meetings, Doreen Lame Serumula, Head of Botswana’s Election Management Body, described the IICDEM as a highly significant conference. She said it provides a valuable platform for countries to exchange best practices in democracy and election management.
