The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the Dominican Republic's Central Electoral Board (JCE) are hosting the Second Regional Seminar on Artificial Intelligence and Electoral Management in Latin America and the Caribbean in Santo Domingo on July 29–30, 2026. The event brings together electoral authorities, policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, and technology companies from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and India to discuss how AI is reshaping elections and how it can be used responsibly to strengthen democratic institutions.
The seminar focuses on both the opportunities and risks associated with AI in electoral processes. Participants are examining how AI can improve election administration through tasks such as citizen services, digital monitoring, and administrative support, while also addressing challenges including AI-generated misinformation, deepfakes, cybersecurity threats, transparency, and public trust. The goal is to help electoral management bodies adopt AI in ways that are ethical, accountable, and aligned with democratic principles.
A key objective of the meeting is to develop a regional roadmap for the responsible governance of AI in elections. The agenda includes high-level discussions, technical workshops, comparative case studies, and the presentation of new research mapping AI adoption across electoral authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Organizers hope the roadmap will provide common standards, policy recommendations, and practical tools to help countries strengthen electoral integrity while adapting to rapidly evolving AI technologies.
The seminar builds on the first regional meeting held in Panama in 2025 and reflects growing recognition that AI will become an integral part of election management. Rather than replacing human decision-making, organizers emphasize that AI should support electoral authorities by improving efficiency, resilience, and citizen engagement while preserving transparency and accountability. The initiative also seeks to foster long-term regional cooperation so that countries can share best practices and develop coordinated responses to the opportunities and challenges AI presents for democracy.
