CEC Gyanesh Kumar appointed president of international body on democracy, elections

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the presidency of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organisation of 35 member countries dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions globally. He will serve in this role until December 2026, following his appointment at a council meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden, on Wednesday (December 3).

Kumar's leadership of International IDEA is seen as recognition of India's developed and robust democracy.

During his tenure, he will preside



over all council meetings, contributing with India's perspective on election management and democratic governance.

International IDEA was founded in 1995 to promote inclusive, resilient, and accountable democracies.

The organisation currently counts 35 countries as members, with the US and Japan participating as observers.

"It is a matter of pride for India and its strong and developed democracy to preside over the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 2026," Gyanesh Kumar reflected on his appointment as IIDEA president.