News: Chief Election Commissioner of India is set to assume the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for 2026.
About International IDEA
- International IDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1995.
- It works to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes worldwide.
- The organisation promotes inclusive, resilient, and accountable democracies globally.
- Membership: It has 35 member countries, with the US and Japan as observers.
- India is a founding member of International IDEA and has consistently contributed to its governance and democratic initiatives.
- Governance
- The Institute’s governance consists of a Council of Member States, a Steering Committee, a Finance and Audit Committee, a Board of Advisers and a Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General.
- The Council of Member States are governments from all regions.
- Chairship: Each year, the Council elects a Chair and two Vice Chairs among its Members States.
- Registered Electors (35 IIDEA Member Countries): 1,887,164,374
About International IDEA 2026
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India will assume the Chairship of International IDEA in 2026.
- As Chair, India will preside over all council meetings throughout 2026.
- Significance: The Chairmanship is seen as a major global recognition for the Election Commission of India (ECI).
