Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 11: A group of 38 international delegates from 22 countries has praised the Election Commission of India after observing the conduct and organisation of the April 9 Assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam, describing India’s polling system as a model of efficiency and participation.
The delegation, hosted under the Election Commission of India’s International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026, closely witnessed multiple stages of the electoral process, including dispatch centres, mock polling exercises, and live voting at designated polling stations.
Branimir Farkas of Croatia described India’s elections as a “true festival of democracy,” highlighting the enthusiasm of voters and the scale of operations involved. He noted that the experience demonstrated how a complex democratic exercise can be conducted smoothly and effectively.
Uuc-Kib Espadas Ancona from Mexico also praised the process, saying that India’s election system serves as a valuable learning example for democracies worldwide.
During the visit, delegates were taken to polling stations across Assam (Kamrup Metro and Kamrup Rural), Kerala (Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram), and Puducherry, where they observed live voting procedures and election management practices.
In Puducherry, they appreciated technological and security innovations such as drone surveillance, flying squads, and a welcoming robot named Nila. In Kerala, they visited a Gen Z-themed polling booth that highlighted youth participation, while in Assam, they noted voter-friendly facilities including on-site health check-ups.
The observers also commended India’s focus on inclusivity, citing features such as ramps, wheelchairs, volunteer assistance, creche facilities, and special polling stations managed by women and persons with disabilities.
According to officials, interest in India’s electoral process has been growing globally, with nearly 70 democratic nations expressing interest during an international conference held in January 2026.
The IEVP initiative is designed to strengthen international cooperation between election management bodies and showcase India’s electoral framework, operational systems, and innovations aimed at making voting more accessible, transparent, and participatory.