The Commonwealth of Nations has launched a regional training program focused on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in elections, bringing together election administrators from across the Caribbean and the Americas to explore how AI can strengthen and undermine election integrity.
The five-day event, hosted in partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Elections and Boundaries Commission, coincides with a significant milestone for the commission as it celebrates 50 years of administering elections in the twin island nation.
Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Mark Lambkelising welcomed the delegation, noting the Commission’s long-standing commitment to upholding democratic principles and promoting electoral excellence, and underscoring the importance of holding this event in the year of its 50th anniversary.
“Over the next week, we will address issues such as the ethical issues and risks of AL-led elections, as well as legal and regulatory considerations,” he said. “We hope that these discussions will encourage election authorities to respond proactively to their use, and allow us to use them in our own operations.”
“The potential benefits are real, but they depend on capacity, data quality, and ethical risks being reactive rather than proactive.”
The training forms part of the Commonwealth Electoral Experts (CEP) initiative, an Australian-funded multi-year program designed to strengthen the capacity of Commonwealth Member States’ Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs). The program is currently in its fourth phase and has been ongoing since 2013.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Her Excellency Sonya Coppe, said her country was proud of this initiative.
She said: “With CHOGM [Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting] The CEP event in Port of Spain will highlight the inextricable link between stability and democracy in the region, leading up to 2026 in the Caribbean in November. We want democracy to be firmly at the center of CHOGM discussions.
“At a time of global democratic backsliding, the Commonwealth is an example of a group of countries working together to strengthen the resilience of democracy and defend our common values.”
The CEP Initiative supports the conduct of credible, transparent, and inclusive elections through professional development and knowledge exchange.
This year’s regional training focuses on the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks for Election Integrity in the Commonwealth Caribbean and the Americas.” Attendees will participate in expert-led sessions, peer discussions, and hands-on exercises to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping the election process.
This training workshop will provide a platform for participants to share experiences, explore local perspectives, and develop strategies to protect election integrity in an evolving digital environment.
Linford Andrew, Head and Counsel of the Electoral Assistance Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“Since 2013, CEP has become a global community of practice where over 350 election managers from over 60 Commonwealth and Pacific regional election bodies share knowledge.”
This training event will run from 20 to 24 April 2026 and strengthens the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting resilient and adaptive electoral systems across Member States.
