NE POLITICAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI/SILIGURI, APR 26
India’s electoral prowess took centre stage on the global platform as the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, drew widespread admiration from international delegates observing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
IEVP 2026: World watches India’s Festival of Democracy #ECI
✅From Scale to Record Participation: Tamil Nadu & West Bengal Elections Impress International Delegates#WestBengalElections2026#TamilNaduElections2026
Read more : https://t.co/fWh9FsfwsK pic.twitter.com/gs48oetHVQ
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 26, 2026
- 32 delegates from 16 nations and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance witness scale, precision and inclusivity of India’s elections
- Record turnout in Tamil Nadu and Phase-I polling in West Bengal hailed as benchmark for participatory democracy
- Delegates laud EVM transparency, logistics, and voter-centric innovations under Election Commission of India
- Women-led booths, PwD-friendly facilities and 100% webcasting emerge as global best practices
- IEVP 2026 reinforces India’s position as the world’s largest and most inclusive electoral laboratory
A total of 32 delegates from 16 countries, along with representatives from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, described India’s elections as a “true festival of democracy”, applauding the scale, participation, and meticulous execution.
After visiting a polling station in Chennai, Sheilabai Bappoo, High Commissioner of Mauritius, remarked:
“India is giving the whole world, experience, procedures and knowledge, how to do it. This is what is democracy, bring the vote to the voter.”
From Dispatch Centres to Democracy on Ground
Delegates began their immersive two-day visit (April 22–23) by observing dispatch and distribution centres, where polling teams collected election materials in a highly coordinated logistical exercise.
At Siliguri in West Bengal, Melissa Anne M. Telan shared her amazement:
“Earlier today, I was at the dispatch center and I was amazed to see how lively it was….. polling officers would receive 3-part EVM machines: the Control Unit (CU), Ballot Unit (BU), and VVPAT. It was an amazing experience..very transparent and orderly”
Inclusive, Transparent & Tech-Driven Elections
Interacting with election officials, delegates were briefed on robust security measures, operational protocols, and pioneering initiatives like home voting for elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
At polling stations, delegates witnessed mock polls and real-time voting processes, appreciating the seamless integration of accessibility and transparency.
Speaking in Siliguri, Yagya Prasad Bhattarai said:
“We observed the polling stations; All polling station management is very good and very nice”
Tamil Nadu’s Model Booths & Bengal’s Voter Comfort Innovations
In Chennai, colour-coded polling booths and assured minimum facilities stood out.
Tshering Samdrup observed:
“The most important thing I have learned is minimum assured facilities that ECI and District Election Officer is facilitating their voters..most specifically the help desk and colour coding”
Meanwhile, in West Bengal, innovative voter service measures drew praise.
Ruth Khatievi Kulundu noted:
“I am amazed by the mobile holder pocket, where voters are not allowed to go in polling with their mobile phones but you deposit in pockets and then you can take, for the privacy of vote. Another thing that I really liked is the resting place for the elderly and PwDs, it is quite commendable.”
Global Benchmark in Election Management
Delegates also visited advanced media and webcasting control rooms enabling 100% monitoring of polling stations, reinforcing transparency.
The seamless conduct and high voter turnout drew unanimous praise, with delegates commending India’s commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and electoral excellence.
Earlier phases of IEVP 2026 saw 38 delegates from 22 countries visiting Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry—taking the total to 70 delegates from 38 countries, making it one of the largest international election observation engagements globally.
As nations observe and learn, India continues to set unmatched standards in democratic participation—proving once again why its elections are not just an exercise, but a celebration of democracy at scale.
