Amupitan Represents Nigeria at International Democracy and Electoral Conference
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has participated in an international conference on democracy and election management held in New Delhi, India, as part of efforts to strengthen global cooperation on credible electoral processes.
Professor Amupitan attended the three-day India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management, which ran from 21 to 23 January 2026. The event was jointly organised by the Election Commission of India, the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
The conference also coincided with the commencement of India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, as Chair of the Council of Member States of International IDEA for 2026.
The opening session featured welcome addresses and a documentary presentation on India’s electoral history and the operational strategies adopted to ensure transparent and peaceful elections.
Speakers at the event highlighted the need for sustained international collaboration in addressing emerging challenges facing election management bodies worldwide.
Secretary-General of International IDEA, Dr. Kevin Casa-Zamora, said the conference was convened to mark India’s new leadership role within IDEA and to promote a shared global vision for democratic development. He explained that discussions were guided by the theme, “Democracy for an Inclusive, Peaceful, Resilient and Sustainable World,” with emphasis on strengthening election institutions and advancing best practices in electoral administration.
Deliberations at the conference focused on two major areas: rethinking democracy for future sustainability and reinforcing the independence and professionalism of election management bodies.
Sessions covered the full electoral process, including legal frameworks, voter registration, political participation, campaign regulation, voting procedures, vote counting and election technology. Emerging concerns such as artificial intelligence, misinformation, electoral risk management, inclusion and sustainability were also explored.
The conference drew about 500 delegates from across the world, including heads and senior officials of election management bodies, academics and governance experts from leading institutions, alongside other stakeholders in democratic development.
Professor Amupitan was accompanied by the Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute, INEC, Professor Ibrahim Sani.
Speaking during a plenary session on electoral laws and regulations, the INEC Chairman underscored the importance of balanced and enforceable legal frameworks in promoting electoral integrity while protecting democratic rights.
