The Commonwealth has launched a regional training programme focused on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on elections, bringing together electoral officials from across the Caribbean & Americas to examine how AI can both strengthen and undermine electoral integrity.
Hosted in partnership with the Elections and Boundaries Commission of Trinidad and Tobago, the five-day event coincides with a significant milestone for the Commission, which is celebrating 50 years of administering elections in the twin-island nation.
The Chairperson of the Elections and Boundaries Commission Mark Ramkerrysinghwelcomed delegates and underscored the significance of hosting the event during its 50th anniversary year, noting the Commission’s longstanding commitment to upholding democratic principles and advancing electoral excellence.
He said: “Over the coming week we will be addressing matters such as ethical issues and risks and legal and regulatory considerations in Al powered elections. 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 potential benefits are real, but they depend on capacity, data quality, and ethical risk being reactive rather than proactive.”
The training forms part of the Commonwealth Election Professionals (CEP) Initiative, an Australian-funded, multi-year programme designed to strengthen the capacity of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) across Commonwealth member countries. Now in its fourth phase, the programme has been ongoing since 2013.
Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Sonya Koppe, speaking at the opening ceremony, said her country is proud to support such an initiative.
She said: “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. We want to see democracy firmly front and centre of CHOGM discussions.
“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.”
Through professional development and knowledge exchange, the CEP Initiative supports the delivery of credible, transparent and inclusive elections.
This year’s regional training focuses on the theme: “Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities & Risks for Electoral Integrity in the Commonwealth Caribbean & Americas.” Participants will engage in expert-led sessions, peer discussions and practical exercises examining how emerging technologies are reshaping electoral processes.
The training workshop will provide a platform for participants to share experiences, explore regional perspectives and develop strategies to safeguard electoral integrity in an evolving digital landscape.
Linford Andrew, Head and Adviser of the Electoral Support Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
"CEP has become a global community of practice, with over 350 electoral administrators from more than 60 Commonwealth and Pacific regional election bodies sharing knowledge since 2013."
The training event will run from 20 to 24 April 2026, reinforcing the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting resilient and adaptive electoral systems across its member countries.
Media contact
Temitope Kalejaiye
Public Relations and Engagement Officer
T: +447436032707 | Email our media contact Temitope Kalejaiye
