Nine delegates from six countries have arrived in Puducherry under the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to observe and experience the electoral process. The visiting countries include Kyrgyzstan, Côte d’Ivoire, Moldova, Mongolia, Guyana and Bhutan. Following an orientation session by the District Election Officer, the delegates are scheduled to visit the Electronic Voting Machine distribution centres today.

They will also visit selected polling stations tomorrow to witness polling arrangements firsthand. The International Election Visitors’ Programme is a flagship initiative of the Election Commission aimed at fostering international cooperation and engagement with Election Management Bodies and global organisations. The programme offers a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms and operational architecture, while also familiarising participants with best practices and innovations in election management.