Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In an effort to strengthen inclusive democratic practices and enhance participation of marginalized sections of society, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) chaired a meeting with representatives of renowned institutions in the state on December 30, 2025.
The meeting was held on the thematic priority “Democracy for the Empowerment of Marginalized Sections of Society” and focused on promoting inclusive governance and wider electoral participation. Addressing the gathering, the CEO informed participants that India has assumed the Chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), reflecting the country’s strong commitment to democratic values, inclusive governance, and electoral integrity at the global level.
The CEO stated that India’s chairship of International IDEA offers a significant opportunity to highlight the nation’s efforts in empowering marginalized communities through democratic participation. Detailed discussions were held on initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission to ensure accessibility, awareness, and participation of various groups, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, economically backward classes, PVTGs, transgender persons, and sex workers.
Representatives from Goa University, the Department of Political Science, V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, and the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, participated in the meeting. Senior election officials, including the Nodal Officer for Accessible Elections and the Assistant Chief Electoral Officer and State Training Nodal Officer, were also present.
The Chief Electoral Officer requested the participating institutions to identify experts from their respective fields and prepare a detailed report on the theme, highlighting best practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to further strengthen inclusive democracy in line with India’s role as Chair of International IDEA. Participants shared their views and suggestions for the preparation of the report.
The meeting concluded with a call for collective efforts to uphold democratic ideals and ensure that the voices of marginalized sections are heard, respected, and adequately represented in the democratic process.
