IHRM urges International IDEA to remove Gyanesh Kumar from chairmanship

The Indian Human Rights Movement (IHRM) has written to International IDEA, urging the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from his role as India's Chair/representative in the organization. India recently assumed the chairmanship of the Council of Member Countries for 2026, with Kumar serving as Chair in his capacity as India's representative.

The State committee of IHRM has requested an urgent review and removal of Kumar as their representative or any other legally available measure under International IDEA's statutes and rules of procedure following an independent review.

The letter to International IDEA, addressed to the Secretary-General with copies to the organization's Chair, members, and Board of Advisers, emphasized that Mr. Kumar's integrity, independence, and impartiality in electoral administration have come under serious and credible questions due to documented controversies. The IHRM argues that an individual whose conduct as head of India's election administration is subject to such questions should not simultaneously hold a leadership role in the world's leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to democracy and electoral assistance.

Pulludan, IHRM's State president, stressed that the issue is not political affiliation but rather the credibility and impartiality of Kumar as the head of India's election administration. He urged International IDEA to ensure Kumar does not participate in, influence, or preside over any deliberations concerning his own position to avoid conflict of interest or procedural unfairness.

The letter also called for International IDEA to consider establishing an independent international electoral integrity observation or assessment mechanism for India, in consultation with relevant Indian stakeholders and in accordance with International IDEA's mandate and applicable procedures.