IEVP 2026: Global delegates praise India’s “festival of democracy” in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal

Rashmi Pandey — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 12:37:31 +0000

The Election Commission of India’s International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 drew international attention once again as delegates from 16 countries and International IDEA witnessed the ongoing Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, describing the experience as a “festival of democracy.”

According to the PIB release, 32 international delegates visited the two states during the second phase of the programme on April 22–23, where they observed polling arrangements, dispatch and distribution centres, mock polls, and actual voting at selected polling stations in Chennai, Siliguri and Kurseong.

The delegates praised the scale of election management, the orderly movement of polling teams and materials, and the use of standard operating procedures at dispatch centres. They also appreciated transparency measures such as 100% webcasting of polling stations and media/webcasting control rooms.

Visitors specifically noted the inclusive features available at polling stations, including ramps, wheelchairs, volunteers, crèche facilities, and dedicated stations for women and persons with disabilities. They also highlighted home voting for elderly voters and persons with disabilities as a notable initiative.

H.E. Mrs. Sheilabai Bappoo, High Commissioner of Mauritius, said India was “giving the whole world” experience and knowledge on election conduct, while describing the process as democracy bringing “the vote to the voter.”

Delegates from Nepal, Bhutan and Kenya also expressed admiration for polling station management, minimum assured facilities, colour-coded booths, help desks, mobile deposit arrangements and resting spaces for elderly voters and persons with disabilities.

The PIB release said the second phase followed the first phase of IEVP 2026, in which 38 delegates from 22 countries visited Assam, Kerala and Puducherry earlier this month. In total, 70 delegates from 38 countries and International IDEA have now taken part in the programme across five election-ongoing states and union territories.

The Election Commission has described IEVP as a flagship initiative designed to strengthen international cooperation with election management bodies and share India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms and operational practices.

India elections | Business Upturn

IEVP 2026: Global delegates praise India’s “festival of democracy” in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal