ABEC’s Chairman Highlights Democratic Resilience at IICDEM 2026

Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, His Excellency Arthur G.B Thomas, underscored the vital role of independent and professional election management bodies (EMBs) in safeguarding democratic confidence during his address at the EMB Leaders’ Plenary of the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026.

Speaking during the conference, held under India’s Chairship of International IDEA, Chairman Thomas commended India for placing renewed global focus on reimagining democracy for the future and strengthening election management institutions as essential pillars of sustainable democratic governance.

“From the perspective of a small island democracy, electoral legitimacy today is shaped as much by public perception as by formal legal procedures,” Thomas noted. “Even robust electoral frameworks are increasingly tested by complex information environments that challenge public trust.”

He emphasized that while constitutional safeguards are important, the independence of EMBs must be continuously demonstrated through professional competence, transparent decision-making, consistent application of rules, and principled resistance to political pressure.

Drawing on Antigua and Barbuda’s experience, Thomas highlighted that institutional credibility—rather than size or resources—is the decisive factor in maintaining public confidence in elections.

He pointed to the importance of clear mandates, stakeholder consultation, and even-handed enforcement of electoral regulations, particularly in campaign conduct and media access.

Chairman Thomas also stressed the need for a long-term approach to election management, calling for a shift from episodic election preparedness to sustained institutional resilience.

This includes investing in professional staff, continuous training, sound governance frameworks, and the careful adoption of technology that enhances transparency and trust.

“In the end, the future of democracy will depend not simply on innovation, but on trusted institutions capable of managing change without sacrificing legitimacy,” he said.

“Independent, professional, and transparent election management bodies are not merely administrators of elections; they are custodians of democratic confidence.”

Chairman Thomas concluded by commending India’s leadership during its International IDEA Chairship and thanking conference organizers for the opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on democratic resilience.

The India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026 convened senior election officials, policymakers, diplomats, and experts from 43 election management bodies representing democracies across the world.

The conference provided a strategic forum to reflect on the evolving challenges of election administration and to strengthen international cooperation in safeguarding electoral integrity.

The conference reaffirmed a shared understanding that elections are not isolated events but complex public services that depend on resilient institutions, sound legal frameworks, professional administration, and sustained public trust.

Participants emphasized that democracy does not sustain itself; it must be deliberately designed, carefully managed, and continuously protected.

Participants resolved to operationalize these five pillars through cooperation, innovation, and measurable action, supported by periodic review and peer exchange.

To sustain momentum, it was proposed that the conference convene annually, with the next meeting tentatively scheduled for 3–5 December 2026 at IIIDEM, New Delhi.

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