The article reports on a recent international gathering where member states exchanged experiences and strategies for managing the intersection of artificial intelligence and electoral processes. Officials from various countries discussed how AI technologies are being used by political actors, civil society, and election authorities, along with the challenges these technologies pose for transparency, fairness, and democratic integrity.
A key focus of the discussions was on misinformation and disinformation, including how AI‑generated content can spread rapidly during election periods to influence voter perceptions or suppress turnout. Delegates shared examples of both harmful use cases and mitigation strategies, such as AI tools for detecting deepfakes, platforms for real‑time monitoring of harmful content, and public awareness campaigns aimed at increasing media literacy among voters.
Participants also explored how AI can be harnessed positively to strengthen electoral systems. This includes using data analytics to improve voter registration accuracy, deploying chatbots to answer voter queries, and applying machine learning to streamline administrative tasks such as ballot processing. However, governments underscored the need for robust oversight, ethical guidelines, and legal frameworks to ensure that such applications do not inadvertently bias outcomes or violate privacy.
Overall, the meeting underscored a shared recognition among member states that AI presents both opportunities and risks for elections. The exchange emphasized the importance of international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the development of standards that uphold democratic values while allowing beneficial innovation in electoral administration and civic engagement.
