ECI flags off International Election Visitors’ Programme 2025 Participants to witness Polling in Phase-I of Bihar Assembly Elections — UPSC Current Affairs | November 4, 2025
ECI flags off International Election Visitors’ Programme 2025 Participants to witness Polling in Phase-I of Bihar Assembly Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the International Election Visitors’ Program (IEVP) 2025, hosting participants from 7 countries to showcase India's electoral system and share best practices. The program includes demonstrations, presentations, and a field visit to Bihar to observe polling processes.
Overview The Election Commission of India (ECI) commenced the International Election Visitors’ Program (IEVP) 2025 at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. This program aims to showcase the strengths of India’s electoral system to the international community and share best practices. Key Developments Inauguration: The program was inaugurated at IIIDEM in New Delhi . Participants: 14 participants from 7 countries, including France, South Africa, Belgium, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Colombia , attended the inaugural session. Interaction: Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi interacted with the participants. Demonstration: Participants were provided a demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) . Presentations: Senior Officers of ECI gave presentations on various aspects of elections, including preparation of Electoral Rolls and the conduct of elections in India. Field Visit: The IEVP includes a two-day tour of Bihar from November 5-6, 2025 , where participants will visit EVM dispatch centers and witness actual polling on November 6, 2025 . Significance of IEVP The IEVP is a flagship program of the ECI for international cooperation and engagement with the Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of other countries and International Organizations. Since 2014 , the IEVP has been instrumental in showcasing the strengths of India’s electoral system and sharing best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy. UPSC Relevance This program is relevant to GS2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and GS2: Important International Institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate . It highlights India's role in promoting democratic values and electoral integrity on a global scale. Important Facts The IEVP 2025 commenced on November 4, 2025 . The program is organized by the Election Commission of India (ECI) . Participants will observe polling in Bihar on November 6, 2025 . The program aims to share best practices in election management.