Global Conference on Election Management Held in New Delhi
New Delhi hosted an international conference titled “Global Election Year 2024: Reiteration of Democratic Spaces and Key Takeaways for EMBs” on January 23-24, 2025. The event, convened by the Election Commission of India (ECI), brought together Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities of election management in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Key Focus Areas
The conference focused on deliberating various facets of election management, highlighting the need to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes. It also examined the rising threat of fake narratives and misinformation aimed at undermining electoral credibility. Discussions emphasized the critical role of EMBs in countering such disruptive trends to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Sharing Global Experiences
The event provided a platform for participants to exchange insights from recent elections worldwide, with particular attention to the substantial elections scheduled for 2024. Representatives discussed their experiences, challenges, and strategies for conducting elections amidst diverse political, cultural, and technological environments.
Declaration of Commitments
At the conclusion of the conference, participants resolved to uphold several key principles essential for maintaining democratic integrity. These included:
- Ensuring Transparent and Inclusive Elections: EMBs committed to organizing elections that are accessible to all eligible voters, leaving no room for discrimination or exclusion.
- Protecting the Integrity of Electoral Rolls: A focus was placed on safeguarding the purity of voters’ lists to eliminate inaccuracies and prevent manipulation.
- Voter-Centric Approach: Centrality of the voter was reiterated, with proactive initiatives for voter education and engagement taking center stage.
- Fighting for Free and Fair Elections: Delegates emphasized their determination to combat any attempts to compromise the fairness of election processes.
- Technological Integration: The conference highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to enhance electoral efficiency while ensuring data security and transparency.
- Robust Judicial Mechanisms: Participants stressed the need for strong legal frameworks to address electoral disputes and uphold democratic values.
Addressing Emerging Challenges
The conference underscored the urgency of addressing challenges posed by misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion through fake narratives. EMBs resolved to counter these threats with innovative strategies, collaboration, and enhanced public awareness campaigns.
Strengthening Global Democracy
By fostering dialogue and cooperation among EMBs, the event aimed to strengthen the foundations of global democracy. The resolutions adopted during the conference serve as a guiding framework for election management in the coming years, particularly in the context of the critical elections scheduled for 2024.
The Election Commission of India’s leadership in hosting this event reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and its role as a key player in shaping global electoral practices.
