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Context

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in Stockholm, Sweden, marking the first time India has been invited to hold this position.

What is International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)?

It is an intergovernmental organization that works to support and strengthen democratic institutions and processes around the world. 

It is the only global intergovernmental organization with the sole mandate of supporting democracy and has been granted UN observer status.  

Areas of Work

International IDEA focuses on six main workstreams to achieve its objectives: 

• Electoral Processes: Ensure independent, professional election management to build public confidence.
• Constitution-Building: Support inclusive, participatory processes for sustainable, nationally owned constitutions.
• Democracy Assessment: Provide evidence-based analysis and data on democracy's state.
• Political Participation: Analyze institutions of participation and representation, including political parties and funding.
• Climate Change & Democracy: Formulate democratic policy responses to climate change challenges.
• Digitalization & Democracy: Address digital transformation's impact on democratic governance (opportunities and threats like misinformation/cybersecurity).

How it Works

International IDEA operates through four key modalities: 

• Knowledge Production: Producing and disseminating policy-relevant analysis, data, and handbooks.
• Capacity Development: Providing high-quality training and assistance for democracy-building and reform processes.
• Advocacy: Protecting and safeguarding democracy when it is challenged.
• Convening Dialogues: Serving as an impartial platform for dialogue between policymakers, academics, and practitioners. 

India's Leadership Role within International IDEA 

Recognition of India’s Electoral Expertise: Global acknowledgment of the Election Commission of India's (ECI) credibility in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections for nearly 970 million registered voters in 2024.

Showcasing the "Indian Model": Platform to share best practices like the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), and extensive voter awareness campaigns under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) program.

Voice of the Global South: India calls for a more inclusive, context-sensitive democracy, representing developing nations' interests and challenges.

Shaping Global Democratic Norms: India, as a key member, can lead global talks on countering electoral challenges such as disinformation, using technology for integrity, and boosting voter turnout.

What is India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM)?

It was established by the ECI in 2011, as an advanced training and resource wing of the Election Commission of India (ECI). 

Key Functions and Objectives

• Capacity Building: Training domestic and international electoral officials for professional, free, and fair election management.
• Knowledge Sharing: Serving as a global forum for dialogue and innovation on democratic processes, sharing India's extensive election experience.
• Research & Documentation: Conducting research, promoting innovation, and preparing electoral documents and guides.
• International Cooperation: Running capacity development programs for global EMBs and collaborating with organizations like the UN and International IDEA.
• Academic Programs: Offering a two-year Master's Program (MIEMP) in 'International Electoral Management and Practices' in collaboration with TISS, Mumbai.

IIIDEM operates from a full-fledged campus in Dwarka, New Delhi, and has trained thousands of domestic and international participants from over 140 countries since its inception. 

Source: NEWSONAIR