Kerala, Assam, Puducherry polls attract global attention, EC hosts 38 delegates from 22 countries

The Assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry and Assam attracted global attention as 38 representatives from 22 countries witnessed the electoral process in India first-hand under the poll panel’s International Election Visitor Program (IEVP) 2026, the Election Commission (EC) said on Saturday.The European Commission said in a statement that delegates observed the size, accuracy and dynamism of the polls and described their experience as a “real democratic festival”. Branimir Farkas from Croatia said in a statement: “India voted, it was a true democratic festival around the world… What was overwhelming for me was the enthusiasm with which people voted. We can only learn from this process; it is a huge process, and done right.”The international representatives, who embarked on a two-day visit to Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 8-9, visited dispatch and distribution centers where they observed polling parties as well as the systematic movement of election materials through carefully planned logistics and established standard operating procedures, the statement said.The statement said that on the morning of the polling day, the delegates watched a mock vote and later visited polling stations in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry to witness the actual voting process first-hand.Delegates expressed their admiration for the ECI’s record voter participation, well-planned and smooth execution of the elections.“The representatives also interacted with the Chief Electoral Officers and State Police Nodal Officers of the states regarding the overall conduct of the elections as well as security arrangements. They also visited the CCTV control room set up by the Chief Executive Office to monitor 100 per cent webcasting of polling stations, calling it a ‘strong pillar of transparency’,” it said.Delegates also praised the “inclusive, participatory and accessible features” of the polling stations, including ramps, wheelchairs, volunteer and nursery facilities, and dedicated polling stations run by women and people with disabilities, the Electoral Commission said.IEVP is a flagship initiative of the Electoral Commission to promote international cooperation and engagement with Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) and global organizations, the statement said.“The plan provides a comprehensive overview of India’s electoral framework, institutional mechanisms and operational architecture while acquainting representatives with best practices and innovations in election management,” the statement read.