On December 3, 2025, India is poised to take the chair of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the first time. This significant transition will be marked during the Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, and will extend throughout 2026. Gyanesh Kumar, the current Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, will represent India in this esteemed role.
Founded in 1995, International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Its primary mission is to promote, support, and safeguard sustainable democracy globally. The organization aids countries in enhancing their democratic institutions and electoral processes through policy-relevant knowledge, capacity building, advocacy, and facilitating dialogues among stakeholders.
International IDEA addresses a broad spectrum of democracy-related themes, including electoral processes, constitutional reforms, political participation, digital democracy, and climate governance concerning democratic resilience. Presently, it comprises around 35 member countries, with notable participants like the United States and Japan as observers. India stands out as one of the founding members, actively engaging in governance processes and electoral research over the years.
India assumes the chairship during a period marked by escalating challenges to democratic values, including misinformation, threats to electoral integrity, declining public trust, and rapid technological advancements. India's extensive experience in managing elections for nearly a billion voters, alongside its established institutional practices, provides valuable insights into election management, voter inclusivity, transparency, and logistics.
As the Chair of International IDEA, India has the opportunity to:
This role also signifies prestige for India, reflecting the credibility and respect associated with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and its electoral machinery.
International IDEA was established on February 27-28, 1995, by 14 founding countries in Stockholm, aiming to assist in building democratic institutions. Over time, it has broadened its membership and mandate, incorporating constitutional support, political finance transparency, citizen participation, and the adaptation of democratic processes in the digital age.
The institution’s activities include producing policy-relevant research, conducting global comparative studies, providing electoral assistance, and hosting workshops and training programs. It convenes dialogues among governments, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders, aiding member countries in innovating and strengthening their democratic frameworks amidst evolving challenges.
India's leadership in International IDEA carries multiple implications. Domestically, it reinforces the integrity and robustness of India's electoral system. Internationally, it positions India as:
On December 3, 2025, India will officially assume the Chairship of International IDEA, represented by CEC Gyanesh Kumar. International IDEA, founded in 1995, works globally to support and bolster democratic institutions and electoral processes. The organization currently includes about 35 member countries, with the USA and Japan as observers, while India remains a founding member.
Q1. What is the role of International IDEA?
Answer: International IDEA promotes and supports sustainable democracy worldwide by strengthening democratic institutions and electoral processes through research, capacity building, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders.
Q2. When will India officially take over the chair of International IDEA?
Answer: India will officially assume the chair on December 3, 2025, during the Council of Member States meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.
Q3. Who will represent India in International IDEA?
Answer: Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, will represent the country in International IDEA.
Q4. Why is India's chairship significant?
Answer: India's chairship is significant as it showcases India's electoral management experience and provides an opportunity to influence global democratic practices and reforms.
Q5. How many member countries are part of International IDEA?
Answer: International IDEA currently comprises around 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan participating as observers.
Question 1: When was International IDEA founded?
A) 1990
B) 1995
C) 2000
D) 2005
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the primary mission of International IDEA?
A) Promote economic growth
B) Support military alliances
C) Safeguard sustainable democracy
D) Enhance trade agreements
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Who will represent India as the chair of International IDEA?
A) Rajiv Kumar
B) Gyanesh Kumar
C) Arvind Kejriwal
D) Mukul Rohatgi
Correct Answer: B
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