Uttarakhand delegation visits Serbia to study electoral systems and democratic best practices 2026

On the initiative of the Election Commission of India, and with the objective of conducting research and study into the electoral processes of democratic nations, a five-member delegation—led by the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttarakhand, Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam—arrived in the Republic of Serbia, Europe.

On Wednesday, the Indian delegation visited the Assembly of the Novi Sad province in Serbia, where they gathered information regarding the functioning of democratic institutions and their administrative frameworks.

Present during the meetings and the tour program were Chief Electoral Officer Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Vijay Kumar Jogdande, India’s Ambassador to Serbia Mr. Abhishek Shukla, and the District Magistrate of Tehri, Ms. Nitika Khandelwal.

On this occasion, Ms. Dina Vučinić, Chairperson of the Novi Sad Provincial Assembly, welcomed the Indian delegation and highlighted the significance of cooperation between India and Serbia in the spheres of democratic values ​​and electoral processes.

Speaking on the occasion, members of the delegation stated that this study tour provided an opportunity to gain insights into the election management, voter awareness, and democratic processes of both nations—an experience that will further strengthen mutual cooperation in the future.

With the aim of exchanging best practices regarding electoral processes and democratic systems between India and Serbia, the Indian delegation held a significant meeting with Serbia’s Provincial Election Commission.

During this interaction, the delegation studied Serbia’s electoral system, administrative mechanisms, and various arrangements pertaining to election management.

The delegation comprises Chief Electoral Officer Dr. B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Vijay Kumar Jogdande, District Magistrate of Tehri Ms. Nitika Khandelwal, ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) of Kashipur Mr. Gaurav Pandey, and BLO (Booth Level Officer) Mr. Mohammad Kaleem.