Why in news?
The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), the training arm of the Election Commission of India, celebrated its fifteenth foundation day on 16–17 June 2026. A two‑day conference was held in Delhi to discuss capacity building and a strategic roadmap for the next decade.
Background
IIIDEM was established in June 2011 to professionalise election management in India and abroad. It trains polling personnel, designs educational materials, conducts research and provides international capacity building programmes. The institute moved to a dedicated campus in Dwarka, Delhi in 2019. During general elections, IIIDEM coordinates training for millions of officials.
Highlights of the event
- Participation: Over 450 participants, including 250 national and state‑level master trainers and 80 IIIDEM staff members, attended the conference.
- Training footprint: Since its inception, IIIDEM has conducted nearly 1,900 training programmes reaching over 1.2 lakh participants. It has provided international training to officials from 142 countries.
- Strategic pillars: Speakers emphasised four pillars for future work: strengthening national programmes, expanding global outreach, encouraging research and knowledge creation and promoting sustainable democracy and election management.
- Mass training: During Lok Sabha elections the institute coordinates training for about 1.8 crore officials, highlighting its critical role in India’s democratic process.
Conclusion
IIIDEM’s fifteenth foundation day showcased the institute’s achievements and future priorities. Continued investment in training, research and global cooperation will help strengthen election management practices in India and abroad.