International IDEA: 30 Years of Supporting Democracy Worldwide

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) completes three decades of work in strengthening democracy around the world. Formed in 1995, it functions as a specialised intergovernmental organisation dedicated to electoral cooperation, institutional reform, democratic participation and governance studies. Its mission remains to promote free, fair and credible elections, democratic values, and institutional resilience across continents.

India to Chair International IDEA in 2026

In recognition of India’s proven record of large-scale free and fair elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will assume the Chairship of International IDEA on December 3, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. He will serve on behalf of India, marking a significant global endorsement of India’s electoral capacity and governance standards.

As the world’s largest democracy with over 90 crore electors, India is expected to leverage decades of experience in polling management, inclusivity reforms, voter education, and technological innovations. Its leadership will help build capacity among Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in other countries.

About International IDEA

International IDEA is headquartered in Sweden and currently includes 35 member countries, with the United States and Japan as observers. Since 2003, it also holds observer status at the UN General Assembly, strengthening its role in global democratic cooperation.

India is a founding member and has consistently participated in research, training, knowledge exchange and development support programmes under the organisation.

Member Countries and Their Electorates

International IDEA represents a collective democratic electorate of 2.22 billion voters (222.5 crore) across member and observer nations. India alone accounts for 991 million registered voters, the largest among all.

Other key electorates include:

• United States – over 234 million
• Indonesia – above 204 million
• Brazil – around 155 million
• Japan (observer) – around 104 million
• Mexico – about 98 million

European and African democracies also participate, including Germany, France, South Africa, Ghana, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland and Tunisia, alongside smaller democracies such as Luxembourg, Barbados and Cabo Verde.

Importance of India’s Chairship

India’s assumption of chairship for 2026 is expected to:

• Strengthen global democratic dialogue
• Develop best practices for election systems
• Enhance capacity building and training
• Promote technology-led electoral reforms

This role reinforces India’s identity as a leader in democratic administration and its commitment to supporting democratic institutions globally.