Arthur G. B. Thomas, ABEC Chairman greets officials at Global Democracy Forum in India
His Excellency Arthur G.B. Thomas, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, emphasized the crucial role of independent and professional election management bodies (EMBs) in fostering democratic confidence during his address at the EMB Leaders’ Plenary of the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management (IICDEM) 2026.
Key Highlights from the Conference
During the conference, held under India’s chairmanship of International IDEA, Chairman Thomas praised India for renewing global attention on reimagining democracy for the future and reinforcing election management institutions as vital components of sustainable democratic governance.
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“From the perspective of a small island democracy, electoral legitimacy today is shaped as much by public perception as by formal legal procedures,” Thomas remarked.
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He noted that even robust electoral frameworks face challenges in complex information environments that can undermine public trust.
He stressed that while constitutional safeguards are essential, the independence of EMBs must continually be demonstrated through:
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Professional competence
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Transparent decision-making
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Consistent enforcement of rules
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Principled resistance to political pressure
Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s experiences, Thomas asserted that institutional credibility—rather than size or resources—is the key to maintaining public confidence in elections. He highlighted the importance of:
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Clear mandates
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Stakeholder consultation
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Even-handed enforcement of electoral regulations, especially regarding campaign conduct and media access
A Call for Long-term Election Management
Chairman Thomas advocated for a long-term perspective in election management, urging a transition from sporadic electoral preparedness to sustained institutional resilience. This involves:
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Investing in professional staff
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Ongoing training
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Robust governance frameworks
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Thoughtful incorporation of technology that promotes 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 stated. “Independent, professional, and transparent election management bodies are not merely administrators of elections; they are custodians of democratic confidence.”
He concluded by commending India’s leadership during its International IDEA chairmanship and expressing gratitude to the conference organizers for facilitating a global dialogue on democratic resilience.
Conference Overview
The IICDEM 2026 brought together senior election officials, policymakers, diplomats, and experts from 43 election management bodies representing democracies worldwide. The conference served as a strategic platform to reflect on the evolving challenges of election administration and to enhance international cooperation in safeguarding electoral integrity.
Participants reaffirmed that elections are not isolated events but rather complex public services reliant on:
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Resilient institutions
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Sound legal frameworks
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Professional administration
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Sustained public trust
They agreed that democracy must be intentionally designed, carefully managed, and continuously protected.
Participants resolved to implement these five pillars through cooperation, innovation, and measurable actions, backed by periodic reviews and peer exchanges. To maintain momentum, it was proposed that the conference meet annually, with the next gathering tentatively scheduled for December 3–5, 2026, at IIIDEM in New Delhi.
Next time please edit this press statement and make it SHORTER and more reader friendly. Half the times them damn things so long that I forgot what i read time i get to the end