Lankan delegation in India to get hands-on Lok Sabha polls

Participants will have the opportunity to travel to different states in groups to observe election procedures and also witness polling in various stations
Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

The programme serves as a platform for election management bodies and organizations to learn about the best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy

A ten member delegation of Sri Lankans will be taking part in the International Election Visitor Programme (IEVP) organised by the Election Commission of India during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, scheduled from May 4 to May 9, to observe and gain insights into India’s electoral system. 

The Sri Lankan delegation comprises two representatives from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka and eight members from Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to Make Recommendations for Election 
Law Reforms.

Indian High Commission says that the participation of the delegation underscores commitment to strengthening ties between India and SL

A press release issued by the High Commission of India noted that the IEVP serves as a platform for international election management bodies (EMBs) and organisations working in the electoral field to gain insights into the robustness of India’s electoral system and to learn about the best practices adopted in the world’s largest democracy. The Election Commission of India is said to have previously organised similar programs during the Lok Sabha Elections in 2014 and 2019, with the aim of familiarising foreign EMBs and international organisations with India’s electoral processes.

Delegation comprises two representatives from the Election Commission and eight from PCoI to Make Recommendations for Election Law Reforms

 The delegation will gain the opportunity to observe and interact with various stakeholders involved in the electoral process

According to the press release, the programme encompasses briefing sessions covering a range of topics such as the overview of elections in India, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), IT initiatives, and media and social media outreach. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to travel to different states in groups to observe election procedures and also witness polling in various stations.

This year, the Election Commission of India had extended invitations to 55 EMBs and organizations to participate in this year’s programme. The programme is said to offer a unique opportunity for participants to observe and interact with various stakeholders involved in the electoral process, thereby fostering greater understanding and collaboration in the realm of election management.

The programme encompasses briefing sessions on topics including EVMs and VVPAT, IT initiatives, and media and social media outreach

The participation of the Sri Lankan delegation underscores the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and sharing knowledge and experiences in electoral governance between India and Sri Lanka, the press release added.

“Through initiatives like the IEVP, both countries aim to promote transparency, integrity and inclusivity in their respective electoral processes, contributing to the advancement of democratic principles and practices regionally and globally,” the statement further said.