Manipur ECI delegation visits Finland to study global election practices

Imphal: A two-member delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Manipur, led by Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, is on an official visit to Finland to study the country’s political system, electoral framework, and best practices in election management.

The visit is scheduled from December 7 to 12, 2025.

During the visit, the delegation met members of the Indian diaspora at the Indian Embassy in Helsinki, where Pooja Elangbam held an interactive session.

She briefed participants on the possibility of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) taking part in Indian elections by registering through Form 6A, which can be submitted both online and offline, provided they retain Indian citizenship.

Pooja Elangbam noted that the session, held under the theme “Indian Elections and NRI,” received an enthusiastic response from diaspora representatives from various Indian states.

The Indian community in Finland is estimated to number around 30,000, many of whom expressed keen interest in learning more about India’s electoral processes.

In addition to election-related discussions, Pooja highlighted the rich tourism potential, cultural heritage, and sports talent of Northeast India, particularly Manipur.

Members of the diaspora conveyed their interest in visiting the region when opportunities arise.

The delegation includes Somaya A. Shimrah, Booth Level Officer under the ECI and Headmaster at ADC Ukhrul.

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

As part of its itinerary, the team visited the University of Helsinki, the Finnish Parliament, and Oodi Library, and held interactions with the Helsinki Municipal Central Election Committee, Demo Finland, and Ambassador Hemant H. Kotalwar.

The delegation will later meet officials from the Finnish Ministry of Justice.