ECI delegation from Manipur studies Finland’s election management practices

Imphal: India and Finland exchanged views on India’s electoral system and Finland’s election management practices, with discussions focusing on innovations in voter registration, the use of technology, and accessibility.

A delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI), Manipur, led by Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur Pooja Elangbam (IAS), engaged in a productive exchange with senior officials from Finland’s Ministry of Justice and other key stakeholders in Helsinki.

The visit, scheduled from December 7 to 12, 2025, aimed to promote mutual learning on electoral processes and democratic governance, an official statement said on Saturday.

Pooja Elangbam presented an overview of India’s electoral system, while Finnish officials shared insights into Finland’s election management practices. The discussions focused on innovations in voter registration, technology adoption, and accessibility.

The Indian delegation also interacted with Demo Finland, a cooperative think tank representing Finland’s political parties and committed to advancing democratic values. The discussions explored strategies to strengthen participatory democracy and civic engagement.

At the University of Helsinki, the delegation held discussions with faculty members on Finland’s political history and institutional frameworks, earningvaluable perspectives on sustaining democratic traditions.

The delegation included Somaya A. Shimrah, a Booth Level Officer under the ECI and Headmaster at ADC Ukhrul district in Manipur.

The visit aims to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote knowledge exchange through engagements with Finnish policymakers, election authorities, and subject experts.