Page 31 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

COVER STORY

National Voters’ Day Special

Acceptance Address as Chair of
International IDEA Council

Dignitaries from the best democracies of the
World, Ladies and Gentlemen,
n I am from India and will therefore begin by telling you about India.
n India is the mother of democracy and today, it is also the largest
democracy in the world.
n The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body and
conducts elections to the Office of President, Vice President,
Parliament, Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils as its
constitutional responsibility.
n With more than 900 million voters across 28 States and 8 Union
Territories in India, the Election Commission of India has nearly
75 years of experience in conducting transparent elections &
preparing accurate electoral rolls based on eligibility.
n While conducting Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission
of India becomes the largest organisation in the world, with over 1
million personnel.
n Today, every Indian feels honoured to see India in a prestigious
position as the Chair of Council of member States of International
IDEA, a renowned institution comprising 35 democratic countries
and 2 observer nations.
n As Chief Election Commissioner of India, I, Gyanesh Kumar,
on behalf of all citizens of India, express my greetings to the
representatives of all countries, and accept the Chairship of
Council of member States of International IDEA.
n As the Chair, I assure you that during my tenure, with the
cooperation among all democratic nations, we will work in an
exemplary manner to further strengthen and enhance transparency
in democracy and democratic processes across the world.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat

electorate has consistently strengthened the faith of When elections were first held in India in 1951-52, there
the Constitution’s framers in this system. The Election was apprehension that democracy would not survive. But
Commission has done remarkable work in this regard. proving all those apprehensions wrong, India, the mother
Furthermore, the Election Commission’s inclusive ini- of democracy, is now becoming a guiding light for the
tiatives have increased voter turnout, further strength- world. The Election Commission’s continuous innovations
ening voter confidence. This has earned the Election and initiatives have transformed the indelible ink mark
Commission of India a strong reputation worldwide. on the finger into a fashion statement. It is always im-
Therefore, as President Droupadi Murmu says, all portant to remember that voting is the most sacred act
the dedicated officers and employees involved in the for strengthening democracy. Undoubtedly, India’s de-
electoral process deserve to be called Rastra Sevaks. mocracy will continue to set new standards for the global
Non-governmental organizations that contribute to community, and in this journey, the country’s voters and
making our country’s electoral process more efficient the Election Commission will continue to establish new
also deserve appreciation. benchmarks of participation and excellence. n

January 16-31, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 29