CEC Gyanesh Kumar delivers keynote at International IDEA's Stockholm conference on electoral integrity
On 10 June 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar delivered the inaugural keynote at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity.
Summary
Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, held bilateral meetings with heads of several Election Management Bodies and delivered the inaugural keynote address on the evening of 10 June 2025 at the Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity (10–12 June), organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). Over 100 participants from EMBs of around 50 countries attended. The CEC said electors grew from 173 million in 1951–52 to 979 million in 2024, and that the 2024 General Elections saw 743 political parties and 20,271 candidates. The Election Commission of India, established on 25 January 1950 under Article 324 of the Constitution, is a multi-member body of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
Key facts
- Event
- Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity, 10–12 June 2025
- Organiser
- International IDEA
- Participation
- 100+ participants from EMBs of ~50 countries
- Data cited
- 173 million electors (1951–52) to 979 million (2024); 20,271 candidates in 2024
- ECI (static)
- Established 25 January 1950 under Article 324; CEC + two ECs
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The Stockholm International Conference on Electoral Integrity, where CEC Gyanesh Kumar delivered the keynote on 10 June 2025, was organised by which body?
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Correct answer: B — International IDEA
PIB (ECI): the conference was organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Consider the following statements made by the CEC in his Stockholm keynote of 10 June 2025: 1. India's electors grew from 173 million in 1951–52 to 979 million in 2024. 2. A total of 20,271 candidates contested the 2024 General Elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (ECI): electors grew from 173 million in 1951–52 to 979 million in 2024, and 20,271 candidates contested in 2024. So both 1 and 2 are correct.
The Election Commission of India, whose foundation day (25 January) is observed as National Voters' Day, was established in 1950 under which Article of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — Article 324
PIB (static): National Voters' Day marks the foundation of the ECI, established on 25 January 1950 under Article 324 of the Constitution.