International IDEA strengthens regional electoral dialogue at the 27th Annual General Conference of ECF-SADC

Hosted by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) of Eswatini, with technical and financial support from International IDEA through the European Union–funded Strengthening Pan-African Capacities for Electoral Observation and Assistance (SPEC) Project.

The conference was convened under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Elections: Threats and Opportunities,” reflecting the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into electoral processes globally and within the region. As AI technologies increasingly shape election administration, the discussions recognized their dual nature offering opportunities to enhance efficiency, integrity, and service delivery, while also posing risks related to disinformation, deepfakes, algorithmic bias, cybersecurity threats, surveillance, and the potential erosion of civil liberties.

The SADC region, characterized by diverse electoral systems and uneven technological infrastructure, is at a critical juncture. Emerging technologies such as generative AI, biometric voter verification systems, and predictive analytics are becoming part of modern election environments. EMBs are therefore required to understand, regulate, and responsibly adopt these tools while actively contributing to continental debates on AI and democratic governance.

Alongside the AGC, a dedicated seminar on AI and elections provided a platform for deeper engagement among EMB chairpersons, commissioners, chief executive officers, senior officials, electoral experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations. The seminar explored both the risks and prospects of AI in elections, including its application in voter registration and roll management, polling station allocation, election logistics, budgeting, personnel deployment, and real-time election monitoring and incident detection through data analytics.

The primary objectives of the conference and seminar were to facilitate dialogue among EMBs and experts on the dynamics of AI and electoral integrity, and to generate actionable insights and practical frameworks to guide EMBs and stakeholders in leveraging AI to enhance electoral credibility.

Speaking at the conference, International IDEA’s Regional Head of Programmes, Gram Matenga, emphasized African leadership in shaping the future of democratic technology, stating: 

“Africa should not just be a consumer of technology we can shape AI in ways that reflect our democratic aspirations.” He further noted, “As we advance digitalization, a core priority at International IDEA, we ensure AI is managed responsibly. Technology must serve democracy, not erode its foundations.”

On the second day of the AGC, Senior Adviser, Electoral Processes Olufunto Akinduro of International IDEA, highlighted key achievements of the IDEA–ECF partnership and invited EMBs to contribute input on future areas of technical support under the SPEC Project. 

International IDEA’s sustained engagement with ECF-SADC dates back more than a decade, guided by a memorandum of understanding that supports institutional development, capacity building, and peer learning among electoral authorities in the region. The SPEC project continues to be a critical platform through which this long-standing partnership advances inclusive and resilient electoral governance in Southern Africa.