ST. JOHN'S, Antigua – Two staff members of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) are currently in New Delhi, India, participating in an international training programme on the role of Artificial Intelligence in electoral management. According to Antigua News Room, the officers are attending the Certificate Course on Artificial Intelligence, Elections and Democratic Governance, held from July 6th to July 10th, 2026, at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) Campus.
Representing ABEC at the programme are Assistant to the Human Resource and Training Officer Ms. Kisher Esprit and Data Entry Clerk II Ms. Joycelyn Peters. The course is organised by IIIDEM and brings together participants from various countries to examine the evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, electoral administration and democratic governance.
The curriculum covers a range of critical areas, including the application of AI technologies in election management, opportunities for improving operational efficiency and data management, the use of emerging technologies, and the challenges posed by misinformation, deepfakes and other threats to electoral integrity.
ABEC stated that the participation of Ms. Esprit and Ms. Peters forms part of the Commission's ongoing commitment to professional development, continuous learning and the adoption of global best practices. Upon their return, the two officers are expected to contribute to strengthening ABEC's internal processes, particularly in training, human resource development, data management and the responsible use of technology in electoral operations.
The Commission acknowledged that as technology continues to transform societies, Electoral Management Bodies must remain proactive in understanding and addressing both the opportunities and risks presented by digital advancements. Investments in staff capacity and knowledge development, ABEC noted, are critical to maintaining public confidence in a transparent, efficient and secure electoral process.
ABEC extended appreciation to IIIDEM and its international partners for providing the learning opportunity, and said it looks forward to applying the knowledge gained to further enhance its mandate of delivering impartial, professional and trusted electoral services to Antigua and Barbuda.
