Caribbean electoral officials convene for AI impact training

In a significant move to bolster democratic resilience, Trinidad and Tobago is currently hosting a crucial regional training program focused on the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in electoral processes. Organized by the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat, this initiative brings together electoral officials from across the Caribbean and the Americas, underscoring the Commonwealth's dedication to supporting robust and adaptable electoral systems within its member nations.

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It is hoped that these discussions will allow electoral management bodies to respond proactively to its use and to use it ourselves in our operations.

The program, which concludes this Thursday, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of AI in elections. It delves into how this rapidly advancing technology can serve as both a powerful tool for enhancing electoral integrity and a potential threat that could undermine democratic fairness. Key areas of discussion include the ethical implications, inherent risks, and the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks required for AI-powered elections.

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The potential benefits are real, but they depend on capacity, data quality and ethical risk being reactive rather than proactive.

Mark Ramkerrysingh, Chairperson of Trinidad and Tobago's Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), highlighted the importance of hosting this event, especially during the commission's 50th anniversary year. He emphasized the EBC's long-standing commitment to democratic principles and electoral advancement. Ramkerrysingh noted the program's goal: "It is hoped that these discussions will allow electoral management bodies to respond proactively to its use and to use it ourselves in our operations." He stressed that realizing AI's potential benefits hinges on capacity, data quality, and a proactive approach to managing ethical risks.

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With CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) 2026 taking place in the Caribbean in November, holding this CEP event in Port of Spain highlights that inextricable link between regional stability and democracy.

This training is part of the broader Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Initiative, a multi-year program generously funded by Australia since 2013. The Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Sonya Koppe, expressed her nation's pride in supporting this endeavor. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Koppe linked the event to the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Caribbean, stating, "holding this CEP event in Port of Spain highlights that inextricable link between regional stability and democracy." She affirmed the Commonwealth's role as a beacon for strengthening democratic resilience and upholding shared values amidst global democratic backsliding, emphasizing the need to keep democracy at the forefront of CHOGM discussions.

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In a time of global democratic backsliding, the Commonwealth stands as an example of a group of countries working together to strengthen democratic resilience and uphold shared values.