From July 6 to 10, 2026, a delegation of officials from Benin’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) traveled to New Delhi, India, for an intensive training program focused on integrating artificial intelligence into electoral processes.
The program, organized by the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework, aims to equip electoral officials with practical skills in AI applications for election management and oversight.
Key topics and learning objectives
During the five-day session, participants explored various critical areas, including:
- AI in electoral administration: Implementing smart tools for voter registration, identity verification, and result tabulation
- Digital governance: Strengthening transparency and accountability in election operations
- Ethical considerations: Addressing bias, privacy, and accountability in AI-driven systems
- Cybersecurity: Protecting electoral data from threats and ensuring system integrity
- Legal frameworks: Understanding the regulatory environment for AI use in elections
- Risk management: Identifying and mitigating potential disruptions in digital voting systems
A collaborative learning experience
The training blended theoretical instruction with hands-on activities. Participants engaged in case studies, live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and peer exchanges with election officials from multiple countries. These collaborative sessions provided valuable insights into best practices and real-world challenges in deploying AI for electoral purposes.
Modernizing Benin’s electoral system
For the CENA, this initiative is part of a broader modernization strategy to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and security of Benin’s electoral processes. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, the commission aims to foster public trust and ensure credible elections that reflect the will of the people. The training equips officials with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of digital transformation while upholding democratic principles.