India has been invited for the first time to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). On behalf of India, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar will assume the Chairship of International IDEA at Stockholm in Sweden tomorrow. Over India’s chairship, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said that today entire world knows and acknowledges the successful conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in India. He further said that it is a moment of great pride for all the citizens and election workers of India.
Established in 1995, International IDEA, is an inter-governmental organisation with a current membership of 37 countries, including United States and Japan as Observers. International IDEA also holds an observer status in the United Nations General Assembly since 2003. India is a founding member of International IDEA and has participated actively in governance processes and collaborated on electoral research, capacity building and training programmes.