New Delhi, Apr 26: India’s democratic process received global appreciation as 32 visiting delegates from 16 countries and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) hailed the record voter turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed that the delegates described the polls as “a true festival of democracy,” commending the scale, transparency, and inclusivity of the electoral exercise.

The delegates were part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026, which provides foreign observers with insights into India’s electoral framework and innovations. During their two-day visit from April 22–23, the teams observed dispatch and distribution centres, where polling parties and election materials were systematically mobilised under strict logistics and standard operating procedures.

In Tamil Nadu, the delegates interacted with Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik and district officials in Chennai. They praised the provision of assured minimum facilities, including colour-coded polling booths and voter help desks. Tshering Samdrup, a delegate from Bhutan, highlighted the importance of these facilities, noting that they significantly enhanced voter convenience and accessibility.

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In West Bengal, the delegates visited polling stations in Siliguri and Darjeeling district. They appreciated health check-up services at booths and the innovative mobile deposit facility, which ensures voter privacy by restricting mobile phones inside polling areas. Ruth Khatievi Kulundu from Kenya lauded the resting places provided for elderly voters and Persons with Disabilities, calling them “commendable initiatives.”

The seamless conduct of polling and high voter turnout drew admiration from the visiting teams, who expressed gratitude to the ECI for the opportunity to witness India’s election management at such scale. They emphasised that India’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency sets benchmarks for electoral practices worldwide.

Earlier this month, 38 delegates from 22 countries visited Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry under the same programme. In total, 70 delegates from 38 countries and IDEA have observed elections across five states and union territories in 2026.

The ECI stated that the IEVP is a flagship initiative aimed at fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices in election management. By showcasing India’s operational architecture and innovations, the programme reinforces the country’s reputation as the world’s largest democracy, capable of conducting elections at unparalleled scale.